City of Stafford Annual Town Meeting
The Annual Town Meeting included the Mayor's annual state of the city message, outlining goals for 2026 centered on maintaining zero property tax, improving infrastructure, attracting sales tax-generating businesses, supporting new subdivisions, revitalizing the island area, eliminating wasteful spending, and promoting diversity. Department reports highlighted achievements in the Police Department, including clearing a 22-year-old murder case; the Fire Department's incident response statistics; significant IT infrastructure upgrades planned and completed, such as core switching replacement and implementing a satellite-based emergency internet connection; and the Finance Department's receipt of an unmodified audit opinion and maintaining an A2 bond rating, alongside earning $2.1 million in additional investment income. Other departments reporting included Administration, Human Resources (noting 254 employees), Stafford Civic Center, Stafford Center, Stafford Economic Development Corporation (SEDDC), Planning and Zoning Commission, Multimedia Communications, and Public Works, which reported issuing $1.7 million in fees from permits and completing street repairs.