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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Parents, mark your calendars: Stafford’s Duff McDuff Green Park's new playground will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.
The existing playground was wholly removed, having reached the end of its lifespan after being installed in August 2001. Shannon Eubanks, Stafford’s Community Engagement Program Manager, said the new playground was designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, incorporating features that cater to children of all abilities.
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The Stafford County School Board is moving forward with plans to redesign and rebuild Drew Middle School, with an anticipated opening in August 2028. The proposed facility, located at Oak Knoll Farm off Farm Road, aims to modernize the school's infrastructure while accommodating growing student enrollment.
During a recent school board meeting, officials and architects presented multiple design concepts, emphasizing the need for an efficient, functional, and community-oriented space. One of the primary considerations in the redesign process is the inclusion of a performance space—a feature strongly supported by community feedback.
History and Justification for Replacement
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Fredericksburg City Manager Tim Baroody presented the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal to the City Council on March 11. The proposal outline a $136.75 million spending plan to strengthen public schools, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure long-term financial stability.
The proposal includes a three-cent real estate tax increase to fund these initiatives, bringing the rate from $0.77 to $0.80 per $100 of assessed value. This tax hike is expected to generate additional revenue while helping to fund essential services such as a new middle school, a fire station, and water system upgrades.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors and the Stafford County School Board met in a joint session Wednesday evening to address critical budget concerns, including school funding challenges, rising property taxes, and long-term infrastructure needs. The meeting, which focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, took place as county leaders continue to deliberate over a proposed $1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY26) that could result in higher property tax bills for homeowners.
A Budget for Growth: Addressing Stafford’s Expanding Student Population
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Concerns Over Health and Safety
Woof Houze, located at 501 Musselman Road, has been a key facility for dog training and behavioral rehabilitation. Owner Adia Washington and several supporters spoke at a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4, 2025, detailing health concerns among staff, customers, and animals due to prolonged exposure to airborne silica dust.
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Stafford County Public Schools offers high school programs that teach students vocational skills in several fields. The Culinary Arts program, offered at Stafford, Brooke Point, and Mountainview High Schools, provides students the opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, work in a real-world setting, and gain valuable industry certifications.
Stafford High School’s Chef Josh Raven said the program aims to educate students not only in cooking, but also in the essential skills required for a successful career in the food industry. Raven, who took on the role of Culinary Arts instructor during the COVID-19 pandemic, has over 25 years of experience in fine dining, corporate kitchens, catering, and fast food. He said the only challenge of leading the program is simply having enough space for the number of students who want to join.
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As Stafford County prepares its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, officials and citizens alike are raising concerns over the mounting financial burden of a state-mandated tax exemption for disabled veterans. The issue, discussed at the March 4, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, has sparked debate over the program's sustainability and impact on county taxpayers.
Mayausky: "A Worthy Program, But an Unfunded Mandate"
Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky detailed the rapid growth of the veteran tax relief program, which has significantly expanded since its inception in 2011.
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The Stafford County School Board is set to present the conceptual design plans for the new Edward E. Drew Middle School at its meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The presentation will provide the public with a first look at the proposed layout, key features, and community-driven design elements aimed at enhancing education, safety, and accessibility for future students.
