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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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.
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The proposed budget outlines a 6.8% to 7.4% pay increase for teachers and administrators, marking the latest in a series of salary raises over the past five years. Additionally, the budget benefits from a $24 million increase in state funding, primarily directed toward special education programs and the elimination of a prior support cap.
Key Investments in the FY 2026 Budget
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Veteran Tax Relief Sparks Heated Debate
During the March 17 meeting, comments from Commissioner of the Revenue Tim Demeria ignited strong reactions from residents and veterans. Demeria raised concerns about the increasing cost of tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, pointing out that some beneficiaries own high-value homes and luxury vehicles. His remarks led to backlash from veterans, including Zach Murphy, who viewed them as dismissive of their service and sacrifices.
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Dumfries Town Manager Tangela Innis has presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget for the town. The budget outlines strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community programs while maintaining the town’s real estate tax rate.
The first reading of the budget is scheduled for March 18, with a public hearing on April 1. If approved, the Town Council may adopt the budget the same evening.
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The MCPS Board held a budget public hearing during its March 11 meeting, which was largely attended by teachers and employees of the district. The $151 million proposed budget was presented on Feb. 25 with a 5.5% salary increase and a $1 million cut to intervention services for at-risk students.
Kristen Whatley, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the district, said MCPS needed to increase its minimum salary to stay competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.
