The Prince William County Board of Supervisors will go next door to hold a retreat.
Supervisors will meet Monday and Tuesday, January 29 and 30, at Old Hickory Golf Club, less than a mile from the county government center in Woodbridge.
A meeting agenda will be published Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, said county spokeswoman Nicole Brown. Public bodies use retreats to get to know the body’s members and have broad discussions on policy.
Prince William supervisors last attended a team-building workshop in July 2020, as members of the previous board, helmed by former At-large Chair Ann Wheeler, struggled to get along. Notably, it faced controversy for approving multiple land rezonings for data centers, including the PW Digital Gateway next to Manassas National Battlefield, which is now being challenged in court.
DeShundra Jefferson, the newly elected chair at-large of Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors, delivered her first remarks on the State of the County. She expressed hope for collaboration and positive change, emphasizing the need for the Board to work together to address responsible growth, diversify the tax base, and invest in affordable housing and public safety. Jefferson, who represents a change in the Board controlled by Democrats since 2020, aims to bring a collaborative approach.
In a bipartisan move, Jefferson appointed Yesli Vega, a Republican, as the board’s pro-tempore chair. Vega will preside over meetings in Jefferson’s and another member’s absence. Jefferson expressed a desire to celebrate the diversity within the county and emphasized the importance of working together to leave a legacy of progress for future generations.
One of the first actions of the new board came this week when supervisors signed off on a collective bargaining agreement that sees police and fire and rescue employees get pay increases and new benefits in the coming year.
The presentation covered various aspects, including the historical context, negotiation process, and fiscal impacts of the tentative agreements with the Prince William County Police Association (PWCPA) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). The Board voted seven to one in favor of the collective bargaining agreements, with Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega casting the lone dissenting vote.
The agreements address pay, maternal leave, and other benefits, aligning the county with contemporary workforce considerations. While some supervisors initially had reservations about collective bargaining, they recognized the importance of addressing retention issues and remaining competitive in wages to retain trained personnel.
The agreements include provisions such as a pay scale committee, a lump sum payment, on-call pay, shift differential pay increase, paid family leave, and adjustments to comp leave caps. For firefighters, there is a transition from a 56-hour work week to a 50-hour work week, requiring the hiring of additional firefighters.
The total cost for fiscal year 2025 is estimated at $16 million.
Recent Stories
Spotsylvania resident Barbara Ucman was working in her garden when she heard commotion across the fence. She thought it was a dog, and but then, to her surprise, she saw a bear paw grip the top of her wood fence.
Stafford County’s drinking water met or exceeded all state and federal health standards in 2024, according to the county’s latest Water Quality Report.
Join us for an in-depth, inspiring conversation with Mayor Derrick Wood of the Town of Dumfries, Virginia’s oldest continuously chartered town.
In loving memory of Sharon L. Bassarab, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 80.
Looking for art opportunities in the DMV? ArtsFairfax.org is your online destination to find and promote artist calls in and around Fairfax. Our Artist Calls directory is always free to use and highlights opportunities to audition, exhibit artwork, or secure commissions. Be sure to check out ArtsFairfax Artist Calls on an ongoing basis – new opportunities are added every week.
In addition to a dozen or so Artist Calls from throughout the region, ArtsFairfax is proud to host the following:
Fairfax250 RV Wrap
For illustrators, visual artists, and graphic designers, we are working with the Fairfax250 Commission to wrap a 37’-long RV that will travel to hundreds of events across Fairfax County. A signage company will handle the installation – all we need is the design. See your art on this rolling billboard all year long!
On June 20th, 2025, Woodbridge Rotary Club will be holding our 21st annual charity golf tournament. This tournament is in memory of two of our past Presidents and valued members of the community. Joe Devaney passed away March 22, 2005 and a few years ago, Bill O’Hop passed away barely a week after playing in this tournament in 2015. Both Joe and Bill were each other’s best friends and they both loved golf! Please help us pay tribute to our dear friends by participating in this tournament and helping us to support our local and international charities. If you are interested in golfing, sponsoring, donating a door prize and/or know someone who is, please contact us (Mark Worrilow [email protected] or 703-244-8702). Signing up is also possible using the QR code.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
