Something is happening at the long-dormant Aquia Town Center site, though it’s not what residents have been promised.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously condemned five acres of undeveloped land on the once-thriving shopping center for a new fire station.
Stafford County Government: “Stafford County Board of Supervisors adopted a second Emergency Ordinance, EO23-02, on December 12, 2023, to extend zero penalties and interest through January 5, 2024. This effort was due to the financial uncertainty concerning the delayed adoption of the federal budget and the effects this may have on the residents of Stafford County. This decision will allow taxpayers more time to pay their Personal Property tax bills.”
“There is no State Code authority for the Board to waive penalties and interest, but the Board can set the amount for penalties and interest to $0 and 0%. Virginia Code sets a maximum amount of penalties and interest but no minimum. The changes cannot be applied retroactively. State Code allows an emergency ordinance to delay the penalties and interest for up to 60 days.”
Stafford County Sherrif David Decatur discussed the possibility of introducing traffic cameras and speed cameras to his deputies’ traffic enforcement toolkit.
During a meeting of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee today, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, Hartwood District Supervisor Darrell English voiced concerns brought to him by residents who say speeding is out of control along a seven-mile stretch of Route 17, from the Fauquier County line to a Walmart on Village Lakes Parkway.
Fredericksburg.com: “At its Dec. 13 meeting, Stafford County’s Planning Commission will take on the issue of what medical facilities are allowed within which zoning ordinances — and have 100 days from then to take action or defer.”
“Stafford’s Board of Supervisors sent the item to the planners last week, looking for a recommendation on what’s been a hot-button issue since the summer. That’s when residents discovered that Concerted Care Group, a Maryland-based business, is opening a 9,100-square-foot clinic next to Weis grocery store in the Woodlawn Shopping Center, off Deacon Road.”
Stafford County Government: “Due to the financial uncertainty concerning the delayed adoption of the federal budget and the effects this may have on the residents of Stafford County, the Board of Supervisors adopted on October 17, 2023, an Emergency Ordinance EO23-01 to temporarily lower penalties to zero for the Personal Property tax payments due December 5. This will allow taxpayers more time to pay their Personal Property tax bills. Please note that the Board desires to extend zero penalty through January 5, 2023.”
“However, another emergency ordinance must be brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval at the December 12, 2023 meeting.”
Stafford County Supervisor Crystal Vanuch: “I have great news… remember a few weeks ago when I said I was introducing a request for more time to pay personal property taxes due in December? Well, it passed our Board 6-1 on Tuesday! They are now penalty-free until January 5, and you will have more time to make those payments.”
“Personal property tax bills go out at the beginning of November. These bills are due December 5th. With the impending government shutdown on top of difficult economic conditions, I think allowing residents an additional 30 days, penalty-free, to pay these bills is necessary. The bills will be penalty-free until January 5th.”
