Loudoun County administrator proposes FY2026 budget driven by data‑center revenue; cuts tax rates, fully funds schools

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet on Feb. 12 presented Loudoun County’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget, telling the Board of Supervisors the plan would set the real‑property tax rate at 80.5 cents per $100 of assessed value — one cent below the homeowners’ equalized rate — and reduce the personal property tax on vehicles by 67 cents in the second half of the year.

"I'm pleased to present to you and the residents of Loudoun County my proposed budget for fiscal year 2026," Hemstreet said, describing the document as a plan to fund county services, Loudoun County Public Schools and debt service for capital projects.

Hemstreet told the board the proposal fully funds the school board’s operating request and calls for a $47.7 million contribution to the county’s revenue stabilization fund, which was created in 2023 to manage risk tied to data‑center revenue. He recommended not lowering the real‑property tax rate further and suggested prioritizing additions to the stabilization fund if the board removes expenditures during deliberations.

Why it matters: Loudoun’s commercial real‑property portfolio rose dramatically in the…