Families in Stafford County must now opt-in to receive school bus transportation for the 2025–26 academic year—a major change prompted by last year’s transportation meltdown that left thousands of students without a ride to school.
Starting April 8, 2025, parents and guardians must log into the school division’s system and indicate whether their child will ride the bus. The district will not assign bus service to students who are not registered through the opt-in system.
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A routine agreement for using school buses by Prince William County government agencies was anything but routine Tuesday, as the Board of County Supervisors raised sharp concerns over dramatic cost increases and deferred the decision for further negotiations.
The board voted 5-2 to defer action on the agreement until April 8, after supervisors questioned a 72% hike in hourly rates and a 66% jump in mileage fees proposed by Prince William County Public Schools.
The agreement would allow county departments—primarily Parks and Recreation—to use PWCS buses and drivers for programs such as summer camps and events like the Neabsco Boardwalk Holiday Walk of Lights. The proposed rate change would increase the hourly rate from $32 to $55 and the mileage fee from $1.50 to $2.50. A new clause would also require the county to provide insurance for the use of school buses—another point that drew criticism.
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At its March 18, 2025 meeting, the council discussed a $1.5 million project to extend the Riverwalk, with $1.2 million of the funding expected to come from a state grant. The expansion would add to the town’s popular waterfront path, increasing public access and improving walkability in the historic district.
Town Manager Adam Linn said the project timeline depends on whether the grant requires matching funds and whether that funding must be spent after the grant is awarded. If no match is required, work could begin as early as this spring—or if previously earmarked local funds can be used. Otherwise, construction may be delayed into Fiscal Year 2027.
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Despite renewed interest in expanding Metro to Prince William County, the region’s top transportation planner says it’s unlikely anytime soon.
Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), told the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday that local leaders across the region have little appetite for billion-dollar rail expansions. Instead, regional planners are focused on improving existing services, including buses and infrastructure upgrades at current stations.
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“I was at the Jail Board meeting as a member of the public but was turned away, along with several others,” said resident Ben Walters in an email to Potomac Local News. “Jail Board staff claimed there wasn’t enough room, yet I understand there were empty seats… I submitted written comments well in advance, but they were not made available at the meeting. And since I wasn’t allowed in, I also had no opportunity to present them verbally.”
Walters and others told Potomac Local News that he had hoped to raise concerns about the Board’s current position on Section 287(g) — a federal program that allows local jail officers to identify and refer suspected undocumented immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential removal.
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The cost of Stafford County’s long-planned courthouse replacement project has increased significantly, with county officials acknowledging major changes in scope. During the March 11, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, staff presented the latest budget updates, revealing the financial impact of the courthouse expansion.
“There definitely is a project cost increase with this courthouse,” said County Administrator Bill Ashton. “This is a new full court that will be across the street. So there is a cost increase on this, but the timing looks like it should be relatively the same.”
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Initially proposed by Superintendent LaTanya McDade, Ed.D., in early February, the now-approved budget dedicates more than $1.7 billion to the district's operations, which includes staff salaries and regular costs associated with running each building.
This budget includes more funding for staff salaries in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement reached between PWCS and its employees. This year, PWCS is investing $80 million and reflects a 7% pay raise for employees.
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More than a year after the city demolished the Olde Towne Inn, efforts are underway to improve the now vacant lot in the heart of downtown Manassas. The city recently announced a $160,000 project to convert the space into a temporary parking lot, a move that comes as plans for a new hotel on the site have stalled.
The Olde Towne Inn, which stood at 9405 Main Street, was purchased by the Manassas Economic Development Authority for $5.75 million in February 2023. The motel, a downtown staple for decades, was razed in November 2023 to make way for a new hotel or mixed-use development. However, financing issues and parking constraints have complicated efforts to attract developers.
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The Dumfries Town Council has voted to approve a significant salary increase for its elected officials, citing the town’s growth, increased responsibilities, and alignment with updated Virginia state law.
At the March 18, 2025, council meeting, members approved an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article III, Section 2.56 of the Town Code, adjusting salaries for the mayor, vice mayor, and council members.
