News - Page 36 of 1909 - Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg City Council’s Process for Filling Ward 3 Seat Questioned

Published February 10, 2025 at 10:16PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.

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Prince William Board of County Supervisors to Revisit Meals Tax in Budget Discussions

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 10, 2025 at 12:30PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors will address the county’s meals tax during the upcoming budget deliberations, according to Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson. The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a concern for local restaurant owners, some of whom are advocating for its repeal.

The proposed meal tax (also called the food and beverage tax) for Prince William County in FY2025 is projected to generate $42 million in revenue. This represents a $10 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a significant rise of 31.25%.

The tax has drawn strong reactions from the restaurant industry, where owners have repeatedly called for its abolition, arguing that it places additional strain on their already tight margins. Restaurant owners have pointed to the increased costs they’ve faced over the past few years, compounded by inflation and staffing shortages, making the meals tax particularly burdensome.

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Manassas Proposes Tax Break for Micron as Part of Expansion Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 11:28PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

Mircon in Manassas

Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.

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Townhouse Fire Displaces Family in Lake Ridge

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:57PM

[Photo: Prince William Professional Firefighters]

A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.

Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.

No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.

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Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Suspect in Route 3 Bank Robbery

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:51PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.

Dawson

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.

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Budget Amendment for Park Demolition Sparks Debate in Haymarket

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:17AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.

The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marshawn Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.

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Occoquan’s Mill Project Delayed, Spot on Mill Closes, and Firelight Night Returns

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:16AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

The Occoquan Town Council is advancing key initiatives, including the integration of the town’s police department with Prince William County’s computer-assisted dispatch system, improving emergency response. A public hearing is set to discuss a new cigarette sales tax ordinance, aligning with neighboring jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the 2025 events calendar has been approved, featuring Riverfest, the Arts and Crafts Show, trivia nights, and the return of the Holiday Artisan Market with Santa’s arrival by boat. Read about them here.

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Commuting Resurgence in the Region: Increased Demand for Ridesharing Services

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:15AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

As more federal employees return to in-person work, commuting interest in the Fredericksburg region is surging. GWRideConnect, the commuter assistance program of the George Washington Regional Commission, reports a sharp increase in inquiries about ridesharing options. “We’ve been steadily seeing an increase of people going back to the office, and then it just jumped,” said Kerry McKenney of GWRC. Expanded transit options, including new vanpools and OmniRide services, are helping meet demand.

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Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page Appointed to Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 8, 2025 at 5:20PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.

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Local Delegates Appointed to Emergency Committee to Study Impacts to Virginia of Federal Workforce Reduction

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 8:44PM

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