Stafford County Adopts FY2027 Budget Focused on Strategic Priorities, Fiscal Responsibility and Community Investment

Stafford County's Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and tax rates, continuing the County's commitment to investing in education, public safety, infrastructure and its workforce, while navigating a challenging fiscal environment. The FY2027 Budget takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes a real estate tax rate of $0.9675 and a Fire and Emergency Services levy of $0.014.

The adopted budget reflects a careful balance between maintaining high-quality services and addressing increasing financial pressures. Stafford County continues to experience growth in population and service demand, while also managing rising operational costs, inflation and significant state-mandated obligations. Among the most notable challenges is the continued growth in tax relief for disabled veterans and seniors. This unfunded state mandate is now expected to increase by $12 million in the next fiscal year and continues to place additional pressure on local revenues.

"This budget reflects the difficult but necessary balance between meeting the needs of a growing community and navigating significant external pressures," said County Administrator Bill Ashton. "We are continuing to invest in our schools, public safety and workforce, while also managing rising costs and unfunded mandates like the veteran tax relief program. Our focus remains on responsible stewardship and making strategic decisions that position Stafford County for long-term success."

Meeting Growing Demands While Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility

The FY2027 Budget was developed in response to significant cost drivers and a growing demand for services. The County faced a baseline need for substantial new funding to support education, public safety and operations, driven largely by new school openings, increased debt service and inflationary pressures. At the same time, the County implemented targeted reductions and efficiencies to maintain balance and minimize impacts to residents.

• Rising operational and inflationary costs

• Continued investment in new school facilities and debt service

• Increasing public safety and service demands

• More than $12 million in unfunded state-mandated tax relief obligations

• A 2% reduction in departmental budgets

Investing in Education

Education remains a top priority, reflecting both community expectations and long-term growth planning. The FY2027 Budget includes significant new funding to support school operations, staffing and facilities as the County prepares for continued enrollment increases and the opening of new schools.

• $15 million in additional funding to support three new schools and employee compensation

• Continued investment in school debt service and capital projects

• Operational funding to support new facilities and growing enrollment

Enrollment is projected to continue increasing, with approximately 900 additional students anticipated in the coming years, further driving both operational and capital needs.

Public Safety and Core Services

Public safety remains a central focus of the FY2027 Budget, with continued investment to ensure reliable emergency response and support for a growing community. The budget includes funding to staff a new fire crew at the Potomac Fire Station, along with ongoing investments in emergency communications systems, technology upgrades and operational support. These efforts align with the County's broader commitment to maintaining safe, responsive and well-equipped public safety services.

Investing in Employees

The FY2027 Budget continues Stafford County's commitment to attracting and retaining a high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and benefits. This includes pay increases for public safety and general government employees, as well as continued implementation of compensation studies. Together, these investments help ensure the County remains competitive in a challenging labor market while supporting employees who deliver essential services to the community.

Capital Investment and Infrastructure

The FY2027 Budget continues to make significant investments in infrastructure through the County's Capital Improvement Program. More than $110 million in general government capital projects will support school construction, facility improvements and the development of a new courthouse. In addition, more than $70 million in transportation projects are currently underway, improving roadway safety, connectivity and mobility across the County.

Utilities and Long-Term Planning

The budget also supports long-term sustainability of the County's utilities system through planned rate adjustments and major capital investments. Utility rate increases through FY2029 are based on an independent rate study and are designed to ensure predictable, stable funding for critical infrastructure. Investments include upgrades to the Little Falls Run Wastewater Plant, Smith Lake Water Treatment Plant and planning for emerging regulatory requirements such as PFAS compliance.

Guided by the Strategic Plan

The FY2027 Budget aligns with Stafford County's Strategic Plan and 2040 Vision, which prioritize education, transportation, public safety, workforce development, community wellness and responsible growth. These priorities guide decision-making and ensure that investments are aligned with both current needs and long-term community goals.

The FY2027 Budget reflects Stafford County's continued commitment to responsible financial management, strategic investment and delivering high-quality services to residents while planning for the future. For more information, please visit www.staffordcountyva.gov/budget.