By Anand Desai
Bristow
In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the Prince William County government reported paying its 100 highest-paid employees a total of $18.3 million in 2020: that’s 5.4% more than 2019’s figure for that year’s top 100, on top of another 5.4% over 2018’s. (The previous two years’ raises were 1% and 3.8%.)
The increases were even bigger at the top. And these figures don’t include the School Board’s, whose earlier FOIA response showed a similar set of high-end salaries and a few teachers receiving up to $133,000.
Compare that to senior federal employee salaries generally maxing out a little under the $174,000 for members of Congress, and local teachers’ starting pay about $50,000.
While the coronavirus pandemic has forced an “austerity budget” on many Prince William County taxpayers facing a 7% higher property-tax bill – whether directly or eventually through rents – and the School Board continues to foist austere trailers on many students, folks with secure desk jobs, avoiding long commutes.
Overbroad percentage raises can soak up the most tax dollars for those who need them least, do little to attract or assist struggling newer employees, and distort public-interest incentives for professionals where there is a risk of insiders’ favor, rather than free-market alternatives, driving negotiations and advancement.
Even if our county needs a budget increase exceeding inflation, population growth, and coronavirus-specific projects (which seems far from certain, given hundreds of millions of federal dollars at its March 9 “COVID-19 Operational Update” suggests may be forthcoming), I urge our supervisors and School Board to limit management pay and direct our hard-earned dollars to specific, pressing needs.
Here are some of the highest-paid government positions in Prince William County for 2020:
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
$373,873.16
ATTORNEY
$311,815.30
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
$311,635.49
POLICE CHIEF
$272,101.37
PSYCHIATRIST
$266,045.23
PSYCHIATRIST
$253,261.76
PSYCHIATRIST
$238,307.08
COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY
$225,160.10
DFR CHIEF
$224,011.44
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOP
$214,249.32
FIRE DEPT DEPUTY CHIEF
$213,344.01
FIRE DEPARTMENT LIEUTENANT
$210,917.42
POLICE CAPTAIN
$210,486.05
FIRE DEPT CAPTAIN
$210,075.00
DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
$208,811.25
DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE $206,220.42
BOARD MEMBER – PR. WM. /MANASSAS REGIONAL JAIL BOARD
$204,708.96
JAIL SUPERINTENDENT
$201,429.15
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/CFO
$200,718.00
CHIEF DEPUTY ATTORNEY
$199,147.69
DFR CAPTAIN
$198,536.35
DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
$195,366.14
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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! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
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.
