Supervisor Andrea Bailey’s Statement on the FY 2027 Budget – A Budget That Delivers for All of Prince William County
For Our Residents, Our Businesses, and Our Schools:
A Budget That Delivers for All of Prince William County
Statement on the FY 2027 Budget
Potomac District Supervisor — Andrea O. Bailey
Prince William County is a place worth investing in — and the FY 2027 budget that came before this Board gave us an opportunity to demonstrate, in the clearest possible terms, what our values are. I believed that we provided tax relief to residents and businesses, while fully funding our schools — all at the same time. Not as competing goals, but as complementary ones. That is the standard I hold myself to, and it is the standard I brought to every conversation with my colleagues throughout this process.
Real Relief for Residents and Businesses
Hardworking families across Prince William County have felt the pressure of rising costs and increasing property assessments for years. I am proud that this Board lowered the real estate tax rate from $0.906 to $0.865 per $100 of assessed value — delivering a decrease in the average residential tax bill as promised.
The adjustment to the Computer and Peripherals (C&P) tax at $4.50 honors prior commitments and ensures that new revenue works for the whole community — funding public safety, essential services, and the tax relief our residents have long deserved — without adding burden to individual taxpayers. Across the region, our county is becoming known as a place where businesses can grow and thrive, and this budget affirms that reputation.
Honoring the Revenue Sharing Agreement — In Its Entirety
I want to be direct: I believe we must honor the 1998 Revenue Sharing Agreement in its entirety. That agreement — which guarantees Prince William County Schools 57.23 percent of general county revenues — is a commitment made to our community, and it is a commitment I fully support keeping.
Prince William County Schools serves more than 90,000 students, the second-largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our students have achieved a record 94.8% graduation rate, SOL scores on the rise, and remarkable gains for English learners and students with special needs. These achievements are the result of years of sustained investment and dedicated educators — and they deserve our continued, unwavering support.
I have worked collaboratively with my colleagues to find a path that provides our schools with the full funding they are owed under the revenue sharing agreement while also delivering meaningful tax relief to residents and businesses. These are not opposing goals. I believe firmly — as do many of my fellow supervisors — that a fully funded school system and a tax-relieved community strengthen each other. Well-funded schools make Prince William County a destination for families and businesses alike.
Fiscal Responsibility Is the Foundation
Responsible governance means making decisions that are sustainable — not just for today, but for the years ahead. With $1.1 billion invested in education this year alone — a 12.5% increase over FY26, and the highest level of school funding in Prince William County history — this Board has demonstrated that fiscal responsibility and generous public investment can and must go hand in hand.
Throughout this budget process, I have engaged in open, collaborative dialogue with my colleagues. We reviewed spending, aligned priorities, and made thoughtful adjustments across every area of the county budget — because that is what our residents deserve and expect of us.
I also want to acknowledge the dedicated work of our county staff and school division leadership. Our teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, first responders, and public servants show up every single day for the people of Prince William County. This budget should reflect the values they embody hard work, fairness, and a deep commitment to community.
The Path Forward: Together
I ran for this office because I believe in the promise of Prince William County — a place where every resident has the opportunity to build a good life, where every child has access to an excellent education, and where every small business owner can compete and succeed. That promise requires leaders who are willing to work collaboratively, speak honestly, and make decisions that reflect our shared values.
This budget is not the end of that conversation. As our commercial tax base continues to grow — with data center revenues projected to increase substantially in the year ahead — we have both the opportunity and the obligation to provide even greater relief for our residents and even stronger support for our schools. I am committed to that work, and I will continue to pursue it in partnership with my colleagues on this Board.
To every resident who reached out, attended a meeting, or shared their voice during this process: thank you. Your engagement makes this county stronger. I remain honored to serve you, and I look forward to continuing to build a Prince William County that works for everyone.
- Fully Funds Transit
- Supports Schools & Teachers Pay
- Provides Competitiveness as Prince William County among the lowest real estate tax rates in the Commonwealth
- Covers shortfalls created by Federal Administration
- Enhance community programs and strengthens community safety.
With gratitude and resolve,
Supervisor Andrea O. Bailey
Potomac District Supervisor
Phone: (703) 792-4584 | Email: abailey@pwcgov.org | Website: https://supervisorandreabailey.com/