In a recent presentation to the Dumfries Town Council, Chief Financial Officer Stacy Jordan unveiled a proposal for the town’s operating budget, marking a substantial increase from previous fiscal years.
The proposed FY 2024-25 budget is set to soar to $11 million, up from $6.9 million in FY 2021-22, signaling a significant financial commitment to advancing the town’s infrastructure and services.
The town is banking on revenues from The Rose, a gaming resort to open later this year. The driving forces behind this budget expansion encompass a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing various aspects of Dumfries’ municipal operations.
The 2025 budget begins July 1, 2024. The Town Council will hold a public hearing on the budget on April 16, 2024.
Among the key highlights outlined by Jordan during the presentation:
1. Implementation of Class and Comp Study: A comprehensive study will evaluate pay scales, job titles, and merit-based programs within the town’s workforce, aiming to ensure fair compensation and organizational efficiency.
2. Financial Advisory for Bond Rating: Collaborating with financial advisors to improve the town’s bond rating, facilitating access to crucial financing opportunities for future development projects.
3. Researching Funding Initiatives for CIP: We are continuing to explore funding avenues for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which is essential for infrastructure upgrades and community development initiatives.
4. Organizational Stabilization: Efforts to bolster the stability and effectiveness of the town’s administrative structure, ensuring sustained progress and service delivery.
5. Master Planning: Undertaking comprehensive master planning endeavors to guide Dumfries’ long-term growth and development strategies.
6. Enhancement of Recreation Department: Allocating resources to strengthen the town’s recreation department, mainly focusing on programs catering to the needs of children and youth.
7. Employee Benefits: A proposed 4% increase in benefits for the town of Dumfries TLC and healthcare employees, reflecting the town’s commitment to its workforce’s well-being.
8. Retiree Health Credit: Introducing a retiree health credit of .14%, aimed at providing additional support to retired town employees.
Despite the ambitious budget proposal, tax rates are anticipated to remain unchanged. However, property owners may experience increased tax burdens due to rising property assessments. The average home value in Prince William County has witnessed a 5% uptick over the past year, according to data from the March 19, 2024 Board of County Supervisors meeting.
In a notable exchange during the council meeting, Councilman Shaun Peet advocated for allocating $15,000 to support two organizations, Party Crank and Generational Ballers, citing their impactful mentorship programs that have helped members pursue higher education and successful careers. Peet and Town Manager Tangela Innis had not responded to a comment requesting information about what services these two firms provided to the town and when when we posted this story.
Discussions also arose regarding introducing a formal grant program for non-profit organizations seeking taxpayer funds. Councilwoman Monea Nickerson expressed disappointment at the low turnout of town residents in public budget meetings. Innis acknowledged the need for greater community engagement in municipal finance matters.
Sarah Romero documented this meeting.
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Following Monday evening’s winter storm, school divisions across the region have announced closures for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to hazardous road conditions and ongoing winter weather concerns. Below is a roundup of closures and policies for the affected school systems:
Prince William County Public Schools
All schools and offices will be closed Code Red on Tuesday. Inclement Weather Employees are the exception and should follow their assigned schedule.
Stafford County Public Schools
Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to adverse weather and an extended winter storm warning. All activities and events scheduled for the day are canceled. Tuesday was originally a professional learning day, so students were not scheduled to attend.
Manassas City Public Schools
Schools and offices will be closed Tuesday. Code BLUE is in effect for employees.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Schools will be closed, and buildings will remain closed as crews work on clearing parking lots and sidewalks. Essential personnel will be contacted by their supervisors for report times.
Manassas Park City Schools Closure for Tuesday, January 7, 2025
All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to snowy conditions. **Code RED** is in effect for employees.
King George County Schools
Schools will be closed Tuesday. Code 1 is in effect for 12-month employees.
Fairfax County Public Schools
All schools and central offices will be closed on Tuesday.
University of Mary Washington
All UMW campuses, including Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren, will be closed all day Tuesday following the January 6 snowstorm.
Stay tuned for updates on reopening plans and further weather developments. Stay safe!
More as we get them.
The Manassas City Council meeting originally scheduled for January 6, 2025, has been postponed to Monday, January 13, 2025. The meeting will feature the swearing-in of elected officials, administered by the Honorable Jacqueline Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, who won re-election in November 2024, will take the oath of office for her second term. Joining her will be Councilman Tom Osina, beginning his second term; Councilman Mark Wolfe, embarking on his fourth term; and newly elected Councilwoman Ashley Hutson, serving her first term on the council. All four ran as Democrats in the 2024 election.
Manassas Park Resident Jose Rafael Lizama pled guilty Friday, January 3, 2024, to felony Involuntary Manslaughter stemming from a December 2, 2023 crash where Lizama admitted to striking and killing pedestrian Justin Burns, 39, of Blackstone, Va.
Lizama
Lizama appeared with an interpreter, and his lawyer stood before Judge Angela Horan and took responsibility for the 11 p.m. crash in front of Old Towne Sports Pub in Manassas.
During Lizama’s preliminary hearing in May 2024, Prosecutors presented evidence, including a nearby homeowner’s security camera footage that caught Lizama’s van traveling at a high rate of speed, striking Burns as he crossed the street in an unlit area of Center Street.
(FXBG Advance) – Prior to ever publicly addressing questions about the removal of Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees for alleged misconduct, the Stafford Board of Supervisors presented Becelia with a “Settlement Agreement, Release, and Covenant Not to Sue.”
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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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.
Featuring:
