Community Forum Addresses Reassessments, Emergency Services, Broadband, and Schools

A public forum hosted by Supervisor Cheryl Cullers and Dr. Kristen Pence, Chair of the Warren County School Board, drew a large crowd as residents raised concerns about property reassessments, emergency services, broadband expansion, and school funding. County officials, law enforcement, and representatives from All Points Broadband were present to provide updates and answer questions.

Property Reassessments Spark Debate

One of the biggest concerns was the recent property reassessments, which many residents described as drastically higher than expected. Some homeowners reported increases of over 100%, despite independent reports suggesting home values in the county had only risen by around 4% annually.

Cullers encouraged residents to file appeals if they believed their assessments were inaccurate. “Do your homework, take pictures, and bring documentation,” she advised. She also confirmed that a Board of Equalization will be established to handle further appeals and that the tax rate will be adjusted to comply with state law.

Several residents questioned the accuracy and transparency of the assessment process, citing errors in property details and inconsistencies between similar homes. Others pointed out that rising assessments, influenced by out-of-state buyers and short-term rental investments, made it harder for long-time residents to afford their homes.

Cullers assured attendees she would push for more oversight in selecting assessment firms for future reassessments and explore policies to prevent speculative buying from driving up property values.

Emergency Services: Staffing and Equipment Shortages

Concerns over fire and rescue services, particularly in rural areas like Browntown, were another major topic. Chief James Bonzano and Assistant Chief Gerry Maiatico acknowledged that staffing shortages, aging equipment, and limited facilities have strained response times.

Bonzano outlined ongoing efforts to modernize the county’s fire and rescue services, including:

• A staffing study to determine the best locations for future fire stations.
• A push for additional funding to replace outdated fire trucks and ambulances.
• The potential for a public safety referendum to raise funds for improved services.

Several residents expressed concerns about wildfire risks, particularly for those living near forested areas. They called for better fire lane maintenance and emergency access routes, especially in communities like Lake Front Royal and along the top of the mountain toward Chester Gap.

Cullers and Bonzano assured residents that fire preparedness and staffing improvements remain top priorities but emphasized that long-term solutions require significant funding and community support.

Broadband Expansion Updates

Tom Innes of All Points Broadband provided updates on the county’s efforts to expand fiber internet access. He explained that Warren County is part of a multi-county project that secured $126 million in funding to build out high-speed internet infrastructure.

Construction is set to begin in July 2025, with full countywide completion expected by mid-2026. Residents were encouraged to check their eligibility on the company’s website and sign up for updates.

The broadband project is funded through state and federal grants, private investment, and county contributions. All Points Broadband assured attendees that installation fees would be capped at $199 per home, regardless of distance from the main fiber lines, as long as residents sign up within the first year of service availability.

School Budget and Staffing Concerns

Dr. Kristen Pence, Chair of the Warren County School Board, provided an update on the school system’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026. She emphasized the importance of teacher retention, noting that Warren County faces stiff competition from surrounding districts like Fauquier and Loudoun Counties.

“We do our best to remain competitive with teacher salaries, but we cannot match Northern Virginia wages,” Pence said. “We look at our neighboring counties and try to keep our salaries in line with them.”

Warren County Public Schools has requested a nearly $80 million budget, which includes the following:

• A 3% cost-of-living salary adjustment for teachers and staff.
• Building maintenance funds for aging school facilities.
• Technology upgrades to enhance student learning.

Pence encouraged residents to attend the March 25 Board of Supervisors meeting, where school funding will be discussed in greater detail.

Trash and Road Concerns

Several attendees raised concerns about road conditions and illegal dumping, particularly along Bentonville Road and Panhandle Road. Residents called for stricter enforcement of laws requiring trash loads to be covered and more frequent roadside cleanups.

Cullers noted that while the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains public roads, she has pressured state officials to prioritize long-overdue paving projects. She encouraged residents to report violations and pledged to continue working with law enforcement and the RSW Regional Jail to arrange litter cleanup efforts.

Future Community Engagement

Cullers and Pence closed the forum by thanking attendees for their participation and encouraging them to stay involved. Residents were then distributed contact cards with phone numbers for county offices and information for state representatives.

Residents can visit the Warren County government website or contact Supervisor Cullers and Dr. Pence directly for more information or to submit questions.

Watch the forum on this exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.