Originals - Page 6 of 431 - Potomac Local News

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

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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Workout Anytime Gym to Open in Dumfries, Led by Former College Athlete

By Uriah Kiser

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

A new gym is set to open in Dumfries, bringing 24/7 fitness access to the community. Workout Anytime will celebrate its grand opening on February 13 at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza (Suite C&D), offering state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training, and a commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle.

At the helm of the new gym is Gary Wortham Jr., a former James Madison University football player and recruiter, taking on the general manager role. Wortham, a longtime Dumfries resident, is excited to bring his passion for fitness and community building to this new venture.

“We’re thrilled to be opening a full 24-hour fitness facility right in the heart of Dumfries,” Wortham said. “This town hasn’t had anything like this before, and I’m excited to provide a space where people of all ages can work toward their health and wellness goals.”

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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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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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Public Safety Officials Connect with Communities Over Coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts Events

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 8, 2025 at 5:48PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

Manassas police held Coffee with a Cop

Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.

In Stafford County, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins celebrated the grand reopening of their Next Generation restaurant on Warrenton Road with a unique community event on Saturday, February 8. Customers enjoyed free medium hot or iced coffee while participating in fun activities, including a prize wheel, face painting, and a visit from Dunkin’s mascot, Cuppy. As part of the event, local franchisee Pravina Bhalani hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.

Stafford County Fire and Rescue expressed their appreciation, stating, “Thank you to Dunkin’ (Warrenton Road) for the invite to their reopening and thank you for the generous $500 contribution to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.”

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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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Prince William County Board Debates $31.6 Million School Funding Transfer

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 10:00PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.

While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Celebrates Grand Opening Near Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 8:35PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

Nothing Bundt Cakes has officially opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.

The popular national bakery chain, known for its rich, moist cakes and signature cream cheese frosting, offers a variety of flavors and sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to 10-inch Bundt cakes perfect for special occasions. The store aims to be a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations.

“We are ecstatic to have them join the thriving business community in Prince William County,” said a representative from the Chamber. “Their presence adds to the diverse selection of locally owned and franchised businesses that make this area a great place to shop and dine.”

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