The slump in the housing market and the added cost of illegal immigration enforcement has created a revenue shortfall in Prince William County.

County Executive Craig Gerhart's proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes a 28 percent increase in the property tax rate to cover the shortfall. Under the proposal, the tax rate would rise from 78.7 cents to $1.01 for each $100 of assessed value.

Officials say the budget also cuts spending by about $19 million.

However, Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart favors cutting another $10 million and keeping residential tax bills flat.

The immigration initiative is expected to cost $6.4 million in the first year. County police officers will be checking the citizenship status criminal suspects. The county also will deny some services to illegal immigrants.