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Stafford

Buc-ee’s Hearing Deferred Again at Stafford Planning Commission, Stage Set for Other Zoning Debates

By Uriah Kiser

A hearing on the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center has been deferred for a second time at the Stafford County Planning Commission, shifting the public hearing from January to March 25, 2026.

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Prince William

Prince William’s Co-Responder Program Diverts 72% of Crises from Custody: A Year in Review

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham [Photo: Uriah Kiser]

In a year marked by innovative partnerships and proactive measures, Prince William County’s co-responder program has emerged as a beacon of progress in addressing behavioral health crises, successfully diverting 72% of cases from custody in 2025.

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Manassas

Manassas Police Report 15% Crime Drop in 2025, Highlight Community Collaboration

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Police Chief Douglass Keen presented the department’s 2025 annual report to City Council on March 9, 2026, announcing a 15% reduction in the crime rate—from 21 to 17 crimes per 1,000 persons—and crediting collaborative efforts between law enforcement and residents.

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Stafford

Your Water Bill Could Rise: Stafford Advances Rate Increases While Data Centers Help Pay for New Pipes

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized advertising public hearings on March 3, 2026, for proposed adjustments to water, sewer, and reclaimed water rates, including new fees designed to recover costs from data center-related infrastructure while introducing equity measures for commercial users.

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Stafford

Virginia’s Unfunded Mandates Drive Stafford’s Proposed 6-Cent Real Estate Tax Increase, Officials Say

By Uriah Kiser

On March 3, 2026, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 to advertise a real estate tax rate of $0.985 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026 — an increase of six cents from the current $0.9236 rate — plus a modest rise in the fire and emergency services levy to $0.014 from $0.0131.

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Stafford

Stafford Shields Data Centers from Tax Hike, Targets Homeowners

By Uriah Kiser

While advertising a six-cent increase in the real estate tax rate to $0.985 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026—potentially adding about $430 annually to the average household bill—the Stafford County Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to raise the personal property tax rate on data center computer equipment and peripherals from $1.25 to $2.50 per $100 of assessed value during its March 3, 2026 meeting.

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Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Move to End By-Right Data Centers in Overlay District — But Approve Controversial Hornbaker Project in 4-3 Vote

By Uriah Kiser

In a split decision reflecting deep divisions over the county’s data center boom, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 on March 3 to initiate a zoning text amendment that would eliminate by-right approval for data centers inside the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District and require special use permits (SUPs) for all future projects countywide.

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Prince William

Montgomery Launches Write-In Bid Amid Casim Controversy in Woodbridge Supervisor Race

By Uriah Kiser
Montgomery [Campaign photo]

In a dramatic turn for the Woodbridge District Supervisor special election, Pam Montgomery, a U.S. Army veteran, former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, lifelong Democrat, and experienced public servant, officially launched her write-in candidacy today.

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Manassas

MCPS Proposes $175.4 Million FY27 Budget with 5.5% Average Pay Raise, $6.8M VAVA Partnership Boost

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas City School Board

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) leadership presented an ambitious yet balanced $175.4 million proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 during the February 24, 2026, School Board business meeting, marking a 9.3% increase—or roughly $15 million—over the adopted FY26 budget.

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Prince William

Dumfries Police Chief Shares Crime Trends

By Daeden Brown
Gaylen (right)

Dumfries Police Chief Vernon Galyen presented department progress and answered resident questions during a public town hall focused on public safety in the Prince William County town.

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