PWC Board Votes 6-2 to Accept Tax Increase in First Budget Vote

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors took the first step to increase the FY 2013 real estate tax assessment rate to $1.215 by a 6-2 vote.  The vote allowed the proposed tax rate to be  published and starts the budget discussions that will end with a final vote on April 24.

This assessment rate unfairly penalizes homeowners who are struggling to make ends meet in our own family budgets, and is particularly unfair to seniors on fixed incomes and struggling young families.

Prince William County homeowners are strongly opposed to the proposed 18.5% tax increase over the approved five year tax bill plan of the County Executive.  This assessment rate increases property taxes by 3.4% and will allow the County to continue its increased spending trajectory of 5.46% in the current year, and new spending of over 2.48% in the coming year.

Prince William County families have not been able to increase our spending by 7.94% in the past two years.  We have had to cut spending and sacrifice some of the goods and services that improve the quality of life for every family.

In the coming weeks, we will urge the Board to adopt the tax rate of $1.175 on April 24 that will not increase property taxes by a single penny.  By voting against the tax increase, the Board will help Prince William County families recover from the deep recession that was caused by runaway government spending in the first place.

Thanks to Chairman Stewart and Supervisor Candland for standing up for taxpayers.

To view the story in the Washington Post on this vote, click on this link:

Washington Post Story on PWC Vote to Increase Tax Rate