The Manassas City Council has voted to adopt an advertised property tax rate of $1.28 per $100 of property value, a decision that could lead to increased tax bills for homeowners and potentially higher costs for renters as landlords pass on the additional expense.

During the council session Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Interim City Manager Douglass Keen suggested a proactive approach, recommending an incremental increase to allow for flexibility in adjusting the rate before final approval. Council members engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the potential impacts of the proposed rate.

Council member Pamela Sebeksy expressed concerns about future financial stability, citing declining revenue from gas taxes and the need to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Others, like Council member Theresa Coates Ellis, advocated for maintaining a flat tax rate, while Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna emphasized the importance of raising taxes to safeguard against future uncertainties, such as another pandemic.

Councilman Ralph Smith suggested the $1.28 rate, after the council failed to adopted an advertised rate that was a penny less. Ultimately, the council voted 4-2 in favor of the advertised tax rate, with Council members Wolfe and Ellis casting the dissenting votes.

The adoption of the advertised tax rate signals a potential increase in tax bills for residents, with the exact impact to be revealed during an upcoming work session on Wednesday, March 13. While the council may revisit the rate before final budget approval in May, the advertised rate serves as a baseline that cannot be exceeded.

Keen had previously presented a comprehensive budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025, addressing various community needs and priorities. The proposed budget aimed to balance essential services, employee retention, and targeted capital improvements while considering the city’s long-term financial stability.

Residents were already facing an average $266 in increase in the average tax bill, with a corresponding $7.71 increase in the monthly utility bill, under Keen’s budget proposal.

Interim City Manager Douglas Keen presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 to the Manassas City Council on Monday, February 26, 2024, outlining a comprehensive plan to address various community needs and priorities.

During his presentation, Keen highlighted several key achievements from the previous fiscal year, including the successful establishment of businesses like Micron and Olde Towne Inn and the commemoration of Manassas’ 150th anniversary. He also referenced the findings of the 2022 Manassas Community Survey, which informed the strategic priorities outlined in the proposed budget.

Among the areas of concern addressed in the budget proposal were employee retention through competitive compensation and benefits, increased funding for schools by $1.8 million, rising shared service costs by $715,000, and targeted capital improvements, particularly within the utilities department focusing on parks and recreation enhancements and economic development initiatives. Keen also proposed adding two staff members to the Parks and Recreation department to bolster programming efforts.

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 reflects a 6.7% increase over the previous year, totaling $330 million. Notable increases were earmarked for general services, social services, stormwater management, the airport, and information technology funds, while decreases were observed in the electric and cemetery trust funds.

Property taxes remain the primary revenue source, accounting for 34% of the budget. Keen recommended maintaining the real estate tax rate at $1.260 per $100 of assessed value. However, the average tax bill is expected to increase by $266, with a corresponding $7.71 increase in the monthly utility bill.

The average proposed increase to the residential tax bill is higher than in neighboring Prince William County, at $243.

Despite a lower overall real estate assessed value growth than the previous fiscal year (6.49% compared to 10.79%), the total taxable real estate assessed value increased to $7.35 billion from $6.9 billion.

The proposed budget for Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) includes $62.01 million in local contributions, representing an increase from $58.71 million in the previous fiscal year. Additionally, $6.38 million in debt service funds have been allocated as part of the funding strategy.

The budget proposal timeline includes a town hall meeting on March 18 and a public hearing on April 22, with first and second readings scheduled for May 13 and June 10, respectively.

Council members expressed appreciation for Keen’s transparent and informative presentation. Councilmember Mark Wolfe requested a comparison between the proposed FY25 budget and FY16, while others commended the proposal as a promising step forward for the city’s fiscal planning.

With the proposed budget now on the table, the City Council and the community will engage in further discussions and deliberations before finalizing the budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The council will spend the next month delivering the budget, holding a public hearing, and finalizing its spending plan in April.

Caitlyn Meisner documented the Manassas City Council meeting.

During the Manassas City Council meeting on February 13, 2024, three residents voiced their concerns about the use of horse-drawn carriages in the city, urging for a ban on the practice. The speakers, identified as Asteria, Moshe, and Prius Xena, presented arguments against the continuation of horse-drawn carriage rides, emphasizing both animal welfare and public safety.

“Horse-drawn carriages provide rides to Downtown Manassas visitors each year in December,” noted Asteria, a resident living off Liberia Avenue. “But every year, these rides pose significant risks to both horses and pedestrians. Horses are prey animals, easily spooked by the noise and commotion of city streets. It’s time for the council to prioritize safety and put an end to this dangerous practice.”

Echoing Asteria’s sentiments, Moshe, another concerned resident from College Park, Md., highlighted the frequent accidents involving spooked horses and the potential for serious injuries or fatalities. “We cannot ignore the dangers posed by horse-drawn carriages,” Moshe emphasized. “Cities around the world have recognized these risks and implemented bans. Manassas should follow suit.”

Prius Xena, a resident with ties to Prince William County, shared personal experiences and statistics to underscore the cruelty inherent in the horse carriage industry. “The use of horse-drawn carriages is not only outdated but also unethical,” Prius asserted. “These animals suffer physically and emotionally, and it’s time for us to take a stand against this exploitation.”

Horse-drawn carriages provide rides to Downtown Manassas visitors each year in December.

The Manassas City School Board and Council held a joint meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, to discuss future plans for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School following the Board’s design approval on Feb. 13, 2024.

Council and board members met to move the process along and hopefully reach an agreement on a Special Use Permit (SUP) the School Board must obtain from the City Council before school construction may begin. Obtaining an SUP will move the decision to approve the designs and construction to the Planning Commission and then the City Council for a vote.

The meeting began with School Board Chair Suzanne Seaberg fielding questions from the Council about the approved design plan, E-2.5, including the size of the open field and the ability to use it for regulation games.

Councilmember Mark Wolfe said he did not like the school’s design.

“I don’t like it, but I’m willing to tolerate things or swallow, but I think the other issue becomes, obviously … what happens to the old facility,” Wolfe said. “I, for one — I’ll put it out there — I do not see a scenario where I’m willing to go forward with the school, and we retained old Dean.”

This comment sparked a debate between the Council and Board members, which lasted nearly the entire meeting; some members hesitated to move forward with a SUP without figuring out what would be done with the existing Jennie Dean building.

It’s unclear what will happen with the current Dean Elementary School, which dates back to the early 1960s. Councilmember Tom Osina said he wants to move forward with the process.

“I think the discussion about the old Dean and everything is an issue that is separate from the actual building of the school,” Osina said. “We can have future discussions on old Dean and share our thoughts. … I’d like to see us treat the two as separate for this meeting just so we can get this going into the SUP process.”

Officials said tearing down the existing Jennie Dean building would not be possible until the new one was built. Some council members requested language be included that the old building be torn down within 18 months of occupation of the new construction.

“My kids were in this school 30-plus years ago. It was a piece of crap then,” Wolfe, a member of Council since 2008, said. “Every time we talked about building a new Dean, the old Dean was going away because it was so bad.”

City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman said he was baffled about what was being asked of him now. He expressed frustration with the city, citing the district’s compromises to accommodate requests but seemingly not pleasing the entire Council.

“Well, [design 2.5] was the compromise based on the direction that was given to staff to do,” Newman said. “So, whatever we’re doing going forward … just be clear on what you want your city manager and this superintendent to do so that we don’t have to come back in here and feel like we’re being chastised for doing what we were asked to do.”

Osina asked if the SUP could get started today and have further discussions in April when the SUP gets to Council. Councilmember Ralph Smith said tearing down old Dean is not a part of the discussion.

“All these arguments that we are hearing could perhaps — are good — arguments against tearing it down,” Smith said. “But, from what I’m understanding, that’s not the issue we’re posed at this moment of this joint [meeting].”

A new Jennie Dean Elementary School has been a sticking point between the School Board and City Council for about a decade. In years past, the City Council voted to raise taxes to fund the new school because the School Board does not have taxing authority; only the Dean replacement was put on the back burner to focus on other projects, like the purchase of 8700 Centreville Road, the city’s largest private office building, to house its administration.

Ultimately, the School Board opted not to purchase the building after a heated debate with the City Council. Some councilmembers questioned the school division’s motives for purchasing the building when it had previously inked a deal with the Council to occupy the city’s old police station on Fairview Avenue, which remains empty after opening a new public safety center in Fall 2023.

This year, the City Council transferred $200 million to the school division, equating to 47 cents on every dollar the city collected in taxes. The school transfer is the largest single allocation in the city budget.

Manassas City Public Works Director Steve Burke presented the annual report for the Public Works department to the Manassas City Council on February 13, 2024. The report highlighted the department’s achievements in 2023 and outlined plans for the future.

Burke, who started in his new role in January 2024, began by acknowledging the contributions of the department’s staff, including Scott Horan, assistant director Steve Schrank, fleet manager Mike Morgan, streets supervisor Doug McCauley, traffic control supervisor Glenn Martin, building and grounds manager Tim Fitzwater, and refuse and recycling coordinator Colleen Burroughs. He provided an overview of the department’s responsibilities, which include maintaining streets, fleets, buildings and grounds, solid waste, and traffic signals, with a total of 58 employees and a budget of approximately $24 million.

Highlights of the department’s accomplishments in 2023 included various street maintenance projects, improvements to sidewalks and trails, installation of pedestrian crossings and traffic signals, implementation of an intern program with Manassas County Public Schools, and efforts to pursue hybrid and electric vehicles for the fleet, resulting in significant fuel savings.

During the presentation, Council members could ask questions and provide feedback. Acting City Manager Douglass Keen commended the department’s efforts to partner with schools. At the same time, Councilman Ralph Smith praised the completion of the fiscal year 2023 paving schedule and asked for clarification on the city’s paving process.

Burke explained that the city works with VDOT’s contractor to assess the condition of streets and prioritize maintenance based on factors such as traffic volume and road conditions. He also outlined plans to include residential streets in future paving schedules, alternating between arterial and residential streets over five years.

Councilman Tom Osina inquired about the city’s capacity to handle increased electric vehicle usage and asked for updates on improvements to electric transmission lines. During the presentation, Councilman Tom Osina raised questions about the city’s capacity to accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) and requested updates on improvements to electric transmission lines.

Burke outlined the city’s efforts to expand electric charging infrastructure. He mentioned that the city met with a contractor to determine the best location for charging stations at the public safety facility. He also confirmed plans to develop contracts with companies for additional charging stations at city facilities and public areas.

Burke also said that the police department had taken delivery of one electric vehicle, with plans for two more to be added to the fleet in the current year. He assured the council that the city is working to identify suitable locations for charging stations to support the growing number of EVs in the community.

Neighboring Prince William County is also looking to expand its EV charging stations, sparking debate among residents.

However, Burke clarified that Public Works does not oversee electric utilities and transmission lines. He deferred to Anna Davis, who previously presented to the council on electric infrastructure improvements. Davis had highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade substations and distribution lines to minimize disruptions and enhance reliability in the city’s electric service.

Councilwoman Pamela Sebesky expressed interest in the five-year paving plan and highlighted the importance of addressing residential road maintenance. Burke emphasized the department’s commitment to prioritizing streets based on need and provided details on crack sealing and future paving plans.

Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna commended recent pedestrian improvements and traffic safety measures. “The new pedestrian improvement on Liberia and Centerville… I’m glad that things are better… So I think that is great for us and for the residents… I know people might be looking at their phone when they’re driving… but I’m glad that things are better,” said Vasquez Luna.

She also sought clarification on snow removal procedures. Burke explained the city’s snow-plowing priorities and emphasized the importance of accessing arterial and secondary roads before addressing residential streets.

Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis praised the department’s efforts in organizing events and maintaining public landscaping. She also inquired about the department’s efforts to promote native plantings and recycling initiatives. “Is there an effort to plant native plants in the public landscaping or drought-free at least plants pollinating?” asked Coates Ellis.

Burke confirmed the city’s commitment to native plantings and provided information on recycling drop-off locations.

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.

On February 20, 2024, the Manassas City Council will meet to discuss matters regarding education infrastructure and the development of the Jennie Dean Elementary School.

The agenda for the meeting encompassed various topics, including updates on the construction progress of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School. Furthermore, council members deliberated on the current condition of the existing school building and explored potential uses for the former Jennie Dean Elementary School building.

Among the proposed options were considerations for expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE), establishing a STEM Center, or accommodating alternative education programs. Additionally, the council reviewed the school replacement schedule to ensure timely and efficient infrastructure upgrades.

Another significant point of discussion centered on identifying a suitable permanent central office location to streamline administrative operations within the school district. Progress updates on the Osbourn High School Connector project were also provided during the meeting, highlighting the council’s commitment to improving educational facilities and resources for the community.

The Manassas City School Board unanimously approved plans for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, advancing the project to the city’s Planning Commission for further review. This decision follows months of deliberation and planning to address the city’s educational needs. Previous reports by Potomac Local News highlighted tensions between the City Council and School Board regarding the project’s prioritization.

During a closed work session on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, the Board discussed various design options with Superintendent Kevin Newman, ultimately settling on concept E-2.5, which entails specific placements for the building, including a baseball field, playground, field, and bus loop.

The proposed two-story school, expected to accommodate 1,000 students, will feature advanced facilities such as an IT workspace, broadcast booth, and collaborative learning areas. Estimated at a cost of at least $87 million, the school will be situated within Jennie Dean Park, near the existing Jennie Dean school constructed in the early 1960s.

The project’s architects are evaluating potential sites adjacent to the current school, known as Dean Park, with the Planning Commission scheduled to review the plans on April 3, following the cancellation of the initial March 6 meeting. Approval from the Commission will precede a vote by the City Council, signaling the next steps in the development of this crucial educational infrastructure.

The joint meeting will take place at the John Conner III Public Safety Facility, Second Floor Policy Room, 9608 Grant Avenue, Manassas, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis provided insights into the ongoing search for a new city manager and discussed the results of a recent city employment satisfaction survey.

According to Coates Ellis, the city’s current state has significantly improved, with Police Chief Douglass Keen serving as the interim city manager. “They’re a lot better now with Chief Keen on board as the interim. That was the best thing we could have, mean to get through a very, in my opinion, unstable time.”

Keen took over as interim city manager in November following the resignation of longtime manager Patrick Pate, who left for Winston-Salem, N.C. His departure came after the council gave him a pay raise earlier in the year, bringing his annual salary to $248,207.

According to council members, Pate returned to his native state to be closer to family.

Highlighting the significance of a recent employment satisfaction survey, Coates Ellis noted a high response rate, with over 50% of the city government employees participating.

She pointed out a notable satisfaction rate of 90-94%, particularly regarding leadership, and emphasized the absence of significant issues in previous years’ surveys. Coates Ellis attributed the improved morale in December to Chief Keane’s tenure, indicating a sense of relief among staff.

Regarding the city council’s role, Coates Ellis clarified their responsibility to hire the city manager, who, in turn, manages the staff. She emphasized the importance of adhering to hierarchical structures and refraining from direct staff management to maintain stability.

When asked about potential undue pressure from the council on resigning employees, Coates Ellis stated she was not privy to such details, reiterating her adherence to her role and expressing surprise at any disruptions caused.

Regarding specific areas identified for improvement in the survey, Coates Ellis cited communication, career advancement opportunities, recognition for performance, and technology updates as key priorities.

Coates Ellis was the top vote-getter in her most recent re-election in 2022 and is the only Republican on the council.

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.

The Prince William County Department of Transportation and the Prince William County Planning Office are gathering public input for a multimodal corridor study on Route 28 in the Yorkshire area.

This study, funded by an $80,000 grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Transportation Planning Board, explores cost-effective alternatives to enhance multimodal travel options over a two-mile stretch of Route 28.

A survey is available on the Yorkshire Multimodal Corridor Study page to facilitate public participation. According to the county government, the survey is crucial for the study’s development and will remain open until February 29, 2024. An open house is scheduled for February 15, 2024, at Yorkshire Elementary School, 7610 Old Centreville Road, Manassas, at 6:30 p.m.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors County 2040 Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the Board of County, designated Yorkshire as an activity center when it approved its most recent comprehensive land-use plan in 2022.

Meanwhile, the county government is also considering constructing a four-mile Route 28 bypass, an extension of Godwin Drive, from UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas to Route 28 in Fairfax County.

Last fall, the Board of County Supervisors sunk an additional $1 million for the bypass project’s redesign. Transportation Director Rick Canizales raised uncertainties about Fairfax County’s commitment to the $300 million project.

Potential challenges include demolishing six homes in Fairfax County and 70 homes in Prince William County. Canizales told Prince William’s Supervisors in October 2023 that concerns have been raised about political hesitation for the project during an election year in Fairfax County. The bypass, discussed for over a decade, remains scrutinized for its future viability.

In 2020, the Board of County Supervisors unanimously decided to widen a nearly four-mile stretch of Route 28 in Yorkshire, between Liberia Avenue in Manassas and the Fairfax County line instead of building the bypass. The project had been estimated to cost about $400 million.

However, one month later, the Board overturned its decision in a 5-3 decision along party lines, with Democrats voting in favor, prompting a return to the Godwin Drive extension (Route 28 bypass). Former Chair At-large Ann Wheeler pushed for reconsideration and expressed support for the Godwin Drive extension and a future bi-county parkway connecting Interstate 95 in Dumfries to Dulles Airport in Loudoun County.

However, an $89 million funding allocation for the Godwin Drive extension faced potential withdrawal by Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Chair Phyllis Randall, who also serves as Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large.

“I’m not going to allow this [funding] to be unappropriated for months and months,” Randall scolded during September 8, 2020, Board of County Superviosrs meeting, in which she and a delegation from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority lined up to speak the board members, most of whom were just nine months on the job. “I will put forth a motion to disappropriate the project altogether.”

The threat also prompted a shift in support from the Manassas City Council, ensuring endorsement of the Godwin Drive extension two months after it initially voted to pull support for the bypass. 

Unleash your inner hero: Join the Potomac Local ‘Locals Only’ membership!
In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community. Join Today!

As the Manassas City Council is fresh off its retreat to Airlie Hotel and Conference Center in Warrenton and set to begin budget talks, Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis emphasized distinguishing between wants and needs when making decisions that impact the community. She stressed that council members serve as stewards of taxpayer money and must prioritize choices for the betterment of the community.

“When it comes to the budget, we have to look at wants and needs,” Coates Ellis stated. “We’re going to go through the budget highlights from last year to see where we are and where we’re going. There will be some wants and needs brought up from the departments.”

While the city’s tax rate dropped in 2023, Coates Ellis highlighted that the assessments were “just ridiculous,” resulting in an average residential tax increase of $181 and a 3.7% uptick. Businesses experienced a similar trend, with non-residential taxes increasing by 4.6%.

Coates Ellis expressed concern about the impact on residents, noting that what matters most to them is “what comes out of people’s pockets.” She addressed the familiar argument about having a low tax rate, emphasizing that the amount people pay genuinely matters.

“We always have to remind ourselves this is about other people’s money. We have to be financially responsible,” she explained. Starting with essential services like utilities, Coates Ellis expressed her commitment to ensuring access to clean water, electricity, and power, particularly in light of recent challenges and changes in leadership.

Electricity issues

Power outages plagued city residents in 2023, particularly those from the electrical substation at Battery Heights on Liberia Avenue going offline. Coates Ellis updated the situation, stating, “We ended up buying [a transformer] from Pennsylvania…I’m on the utilities commission…we are back to pre-battery height outages,” said Coates Ellis.

Coates Ellis expressed confidence when asked about the state of utilities, especially electricity, highlighting the city’s focus on addressing the issue. “I do feel good now because I think it has been brought out in the forefront that we have to be on top of it,” she affirmed.

Coates Ellis clarified that while the city does not generate its power. However, it has generators that reduce the overall load during peak demand days, with electricity purchased from Dominion Virginia Power. She emphasized her confidence in the system, particularly with the impending data centers that are soon to come online and will use their own power systems.

Coates Ellis stressed the importance of a balanced approach by expressing concern about the national push towards electric everything, including electric vehicles and eliminating fossil fuels. “You can’t just focus totally on electric,” she stated. “Electric needs fossil fuels to power.”

The city’s sustainability plan involves a gradual phase-in of electric vehicles and solar energy. Coates Ellis mentioned a survey on the city’s Facebook page seeking residents’ opinions on the plan, emphasizing the importance of bringing awareness without making it mandatory. She also touched on the potential challenges of EV charging stations, predicting they may cost more than traditional fueling due to infrastructure requirements.

City manager search and morale amidst leadership changes

City Manager Patrick Pate, who served the city for 10 years, resigned in 2023, despite receiving a 3% pay raise earlier in the year, bringing his ending annual salary to $248,207. Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger praised Pate’s contributions to the city at the time of his departure, acknowledging the growth and positive changes during his tenure.

Pate’s was the latest in a series of departures from the city government last year, including Utilities Director Tony Dawood, who left amid ongoing electricity issues. Coates Ellis acknowledged the challenges faced by the city and expressed her commitment to understanding the background of these resignations.

The City Council appointed Police Chief Douglass Keen as interim city manager until it finds a permanent replacement. Coates Ellis acknowledged the challenges, stating, “They’re a lot better now with Chief Keen on board as the interim. That was the best thing that we could have, in my opinion, to get through a very unstable time,” said Coates Ellis.

Coates Ellis said that over 50% of employees participated in the survey, which is a high response rate. The results indicated a 90% to 94% satisfaction rate, with no apparent decrease compared to the surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020.

According to the councilwoman, the survey identified key areas for improvement, including communication, creating clear paths for career advancement, ensuring recognition for high-performing employees, and keeping technology up to date.

Coates Ellis linked the positive shift in employee satisfaction to Keen’s presence as interim city manager. “He was already like an assistant city manager…that brought more confidence to the staff when he was brought on board. I think he’s doing a great job,” she stated.

The City Council initiated a nationwide search for a new city manager.

Editor’s Note: Theresa Coates Ellis is the only one of the seven sitting Manassas City Council members who agreed to an interview for this story.

Unleash your inner hero: Join the Potomac Local ‘Locals Only’ membership!
In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community. Join Today!