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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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Prince William

Haymarket advisors say Town Center funding feasible with debt mix

By Uriah Kiser

Municipal advisors on Feb. 23, 2026, told the Haymarket Town Council the town can afford its Town Center project through a balanced mix of cash and debt while keeping reserves healthy.

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Stafford

Schools Seek More Funds Amid Proposed Homeowner Tax Hikes

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools presented a request for $18.6 million in new local funding to the Board of Supervisors during a February 26, 2026, joint meeting in Stafford County, highlighting needs for three new schools and staff compensation amid low state support and rising taxpayer pressures.

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Stafford

Pay Competition Hinders Stafford School Safety Staffing

By Uriah Kiser
Decatur [Photo: Stafford County Government]

Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur told county supervisors that 10 of 17 elementary school protection officer positions are vacant, despite full staffing for middle and high school resource officers, as regional pay disparities complicate recruitment.

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