A 4 percent meals tax could be carried out in Prince William County.
The recommended tax rate is included in a proposed fiscal 2023 budget that was presented to the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) on Tuesday.
That isn’t the only possible change in store for the county.
An increase could be seen in the computer and peripherals tax rate for businesses. The spending plan suggests changing it to $1.65 per $100 of assessed value, an $0.15 increase.
Community members may also see an adjustment in the real estate tax rate and fire levy rate.
The proposed fiscal 2023 budget recommends a real estate tax rate of $1.05 per $100 of assessed value, a decrease from the current rate of $1.115. Meanwhile, the fire levy rate would also be reduced from $0.08 per $100 of assessed value to $0.075. If the proposal is approved, the average residential real estate tax bill would go up $248.
Various services and agencies could receive support through the plan. It suggests allocating funds that would be used to decrease waitlists among programs for mental health, substance abuse, emergencies, and those with developmental disabilities.
Additional funds may be provided to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), as well. Through a revenue sharing agreement, 57.23 percent of the county’s general revenue goes to the school division. That amount would increase 9.3 percent – $61.1 million – from this year to fiscal 2023.
Funding to preserve cemeteries and gravestones and implement tasks outlined in the community energy master plan – after it’s created and approved – are also included in the proposal.
Employees of Prince William County could be receiving raises. The proposed fiscal 2023 budget recommends a performance increase of 3 percent and salary adjustment of 1 percent.
Upcoming budget meetings and hearings
At 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday), a community meeting on the proposed fiscal 2023 budget and proposed fiscal 2023-28 Capital Improvement Program will be held, virtually. Officials will share the plans and answer questions. More information on the proposed budget and the meeting link is available on the county’s website.
Budget work sessions will take place at the 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. meetings on March 1, March 8 and March 15. A budget public hearing is scheduled for the 7:30 p.m. meeting on March 15.
The county school system’s budget is being shared at the 7:30 p.m. meeting on April 5. You can read more details about the proposed fiscal 2023 budget for PWCS in this article we published earlier this month.
Public hearings on the budget and tax rates or fees as well as a budget recap will take place at the 7:30 p.m. meeting on April 12.
Members of the BOCS intend to mark up the budget on April 19, and adopt it on April 26.
Meetings – aside from the virtual community meeting – are occurring in the Board Chambers of the McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Community members may offer input at BOCS meetings or public hearings, reach out to board members, or ask questions through the Budget Q&A app that can be found on the county’s website.
