Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and tax rates on Apr. 29, continuing its focus on education, public safety, infrastructure, and workforce investment while managing fiscal challenges. The new budget will take effect July 1 and sets a real estate tax rate of $0.9675 along with a Fire and Emergency Services levy of $0.014.
The budget addresses the county’s growing population and rising service demands amid increased operational costs, inflation, and state-mandated obligations. A significant challenge highlighted is the increase in unfunded state-mandated tax relief for disabled veterans and seniors—expected to rise by $12 million next year—which puts 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.”
Education remains a key priority in the FY2027 Budget with substantial funding allocated for school operations, staffing, facilities improvements due to anticipated enrollment growth—including about 900 additional students projected over coming years—and new school openings. Stafford County Public Schools District enrolled 31,700 students during the 2023-24 school year according to the Virginia Department of Education. Brooke Point High School had the highest enrollment among Stafford’s schools that year with 2,242 students as reported by the same source. White students made up nearly two-fifths (38.9%) of total enrollment at Stafford schools in 2023-24 (12,332 students), followed by Hispanic students at nearly one-quarter (24.5%, or 7,780 students) according to official data.
The county saw an overall increase in student numbers: total enrollment grew by about 1.7% from the previous year’s figure of 31,160 according to Virginia Department of Education statistics. Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers welcomed more pre-kindergarteners than any other facility in Stafford during this period—292 children or more than half (54.5%) of all pre-K enrollments—while Rocky Run Elementary School enrolled the most kindergarteners with 148 children accounting for about one-thirteenth (7.4%) countywide as reported by state records.
Public safety investments include staffing for a new fire crew at Potomac Fire Station as well as upgrades in emergency communications systems; meanwhile employee compensation enhancements aim to keep county staff competitive within today’s labor market.
Capital projects exceeding $110 million will support school construction efforts alongside facility improvements such as courthouse development; transportation projects totaling over $70 million are underway across various parts of Stafford County aiming to improve roadway safety and connectivity.
The adopted budget aligns with both Stafford’s Strategic Plan goals through FY2040 Vision—prioritizing education quality improvement initiatives alongside transportation upgrades—as well as broader commitments toward financial responsibility amid continued growth.
