Letter to the Editor
Dear Fellow Woodbridge Residents,
The nearly $2 Billion FY2014 Prince William Budget goes into effect July 1, 2013 with funding from several revenue streams, including a real estate tax rate of $1.181 per $100 of assessed value for both homeowners and businesses. This represents a cut to the tax rate outlined in the Board of County Supervisor’s Five Year Plan and represents a tax burden on families and businesses that is 30% lower than surrounding Northern Virginia communities. While the budget cuts result in a failure to invest in many of our critical unmet needs, it is far better than the flat tax bill proposed by other Supervisors.
I am pleased to report that the FY2014 Budget includes many of the programs and services that directly impact our community. The budget includes:
· 29 additional Police Officers and 15 new School Resource Officers
· Construction of the new central district police station
· 15 additional Firefighters
· Route 1 Widening from Featherstone Road to Neabsco Mills Road
· A 1,200 space commuter parking garage at Potomac Town Center (financed with the Virginia Department of Transportation)
· Five case workers for the Intellectually Disabled
· Preservation of the Health Department’s Programs
· 7 Additional Classrooms at River Oaks Elementary School
· Stadium Lights at Veteran’s Park
· Upgrades to Middle School Playing Fields for use by the Community
· New Voting Machines
In addition, the Board also slightly improved the long-standing Revenue Sharing Agreement with the school system. By increasing the school’s portion of General Fund Revenues from 56.75 percent to 57.23 percent, our children in the school system will receive more local funding. Despite this, we have learned that the school system still faces significant cuts both from the state budget and from the reduced tax rate. Fundamental to this and all future budgets is the need to keep pace with a growing population and a higher cost of living. As our county continues to grow, our budget must keep pace with the rate of growth.
During this budget season, there were many proposals on the table – some that funded our critical unmet needs and others that would result in devastating cuts to the most vulnerable of our citizens. Please join me in the continued implementation of our vision of a New Woodbridge and making our community a truly great place to live, work, and play.
Learn more about the vision by friending us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and visiting us at newwoodbridge.org. I’ll see you in the neighborhood!
Sincerely,
Frank J. Principi
Woodbridge District Supervisor
Prince William Board of County Supervisors
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Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.
Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.
Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.
Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!
Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.
Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7872 | ? [email protected]
Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
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Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.
If you’re searching for a loyal companion with a heart as big as his head, look no further than Hugo! This magnificent 4-year-old Mastiff-mix weighs in at 114 pounds, but don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant with a sweet and easy-going nature.
Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.If you’re searching for a loyal companion with a heart as big as his head, look no further than Hugo! This magnificent 4-year-old Mastiff-mix weighs in at 114 pounds, but don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant with a sweet and easy-going nature.
Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
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What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
