On top of the reassessment that boosted property values by more than 58%, Northumberland County has a real estate tax increase on the table that could be as high as 21%. Residents continue not only to object to the increase but to question what they’re getting in return for their money.

When a reassessment is completed, state law requires the locality to provide the equalized rate—the rate that would generate the same revenue as before reassessment. That rate is $.47, and anything above it represents a tax increase.

Northumberland has advertised a real estate tax rate of $.57, calling it a “worst-case scenario.” The county has yet to finalize its budget or set the real estate tax rate and has the flexibility to adopt a rate lower than advertised, but cannot exceed it. According to discussions, the rate was advertised at a higher level to allow room for adjustment.

As in recent years, residents are raising concerns about the county’s tax trajectory.

“Warren Buffett once said that one of the greatest forces in mankind is compound interest. My concern tonight is compound taxes, which is something he didn’t mention, but I think it’s important,” said Jay Lightfoot at the public hearing on the real estate tax rate.

He said that in 2023 there was a 12% increase followed by another 12% increase from 2024 to 2025. Now the county is looking at a 21% increase—“which amounts to a 45% hike over three years.”

“My bigger question is where’s the payoff? Normally, when I see taxes go up like this, it’s for a specific reason. We’re building a new school. We’re investing in the economy so we don’t have to rely on property taxes, but I don’t see that happening,” he said. “What’s happening in Northumberland County to make these taxes go up like this? And what can we do in the future to prevent this from happening again? Because what I hate to see is if you look at 12% and 13% increases over time, we’re going to be Fairfax County before we know it.”

“I’ll talk for the senior citizens. I’m in my 70s… I think maybe 50 cents is more than reasonable… At 57 [cents] that’s putting me over $325 extra a year,” said Christopher Huczko, describing the situation as “a dangerous slope.” He added, “I could have afforded this year, but what we can do down the line. I have a very modest retirement.”

He wasn’t the only one to speak on behalf of retirees. Robert Morgan told the board, “We just continue to see our taxes and our assessment value increase, which I’ll have to say in one year our assessment went up from $550,000 to $860,000… then you’re going to add more taxes on the top of that.

“We’re retired, fixed income, and this county is going to force us out of here,” Morgan said. “We have no children in school. The roads, the emergency service, what we have, what you all have to offer in this county is minimal. And we’re starting to pay like Fairfax County taxes.”

At another meeting this month, Board Chairman James Brann appeared to recognize that residents need a break from the annual tax increases. “We need to get back to where we’re not having 4% and 5% tax increases if we can help it.”

Supervisor A.C. Fisher suggested that the choice is between small increases or large ones. “It all averages out. Either you have one big one, fairly good-size one, then you don’t have one, or you have small ones each couple of years.”