During the Tuesday, Oct. 1, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, Parks, Recreation, Facilities, and Tourism Director Brian Southall, we provided details of the increase and the facility's current state. "We’ve been leasing parts of the facility since the mid-'90s. The entire lease for the year is $177,000," Southall said. He explained that the county’s gymnastics program, which serves over 600 children weekly, has outgrown the 25,600-square-foot space, noting, "We’ve outgrown it."
The proposed rent hike prompted a lively discussion among board members, with some raising concerns about continuing to invest in an aging facility. Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung emphasized the need for a more long-term solution. "We need to ask ourselves whether we should continue to invest in this location or seek a more suitable and permanent space for our children," Yeung said. She pointed out that neighboring Prince William County is debating a state-of-the-art sports complex in Woodbridge that, if built, would leave Stafford County behind in providing adequate facilities for its residents.
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, October 1. at 5 p.m. The meeting is streamed live, and the agenda is posted online. To provide the public with more information about the board meetings, we've assembled a list of some of the items on the agenda.
On the agenda:
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Stafford County faces mixed reactions from the community regarding the proposed Buc-ee's development, a massive travel center known for its signature barbeque and Beaver Nuggets.
Buc-ee's has applied for a conditional use permit to build a 74,000-square-foot convenience store on 36 acres along Courthouse Road, next to Interstate 95 at exit 140, near the Embrey Mill neighborhood. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the new Buc-ee’s location will feature 120 gas pumps and could significantly alter the local landscape.
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Budget Director Andrea Light presented the unaudited financial results for the 2024 fiscal year at the latest Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting. The general fund revenues totaled approximately $404.4 million, a figure 1.4% above the budget.
However, Light raised concerns about specific revenue streams, including a sharp decline in sales and meal taxes.
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Supervisors Deuntay Diggs, Tinesha Allen, and Monica Gary supported the proposal. They emphasized the need for innovative solutions to the county's transportation challenges. However, the motion failed after Supervisors Meg Bohmke, Darrell English, Pamela Yeung, and Crystal Vanuch voted against it.
During the board meeting, Supervisor Allen voiced concerns about the county’s insufficient funding for critical transportation projects. "We have $300 million worth of projects, and we're only putting $14 million towards them," said Allen. "We need more funding and better infrastructure to ensure safety on roads like Telegraph Road."
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted 6-1 on Tuesday evening to approve a zoning reclassification for developing the Stafford Technology Campus, a project poised to reshape over 500 acres of land in the county’s Falmouth District. The decision reclassifies the lane from an A-1 Agricultural Zoning District to an M-2 Heavy Industrial Zoning District, clearing the way for one of the country's most significant developments. Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch voted against the rezoning.
Project Details
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At the September 17, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, Bill Ashton debuted as the new County Administrator.
Chairwoman Meg Bomke welcomed Ashton, saying, “On behalf of the board, I’d like to welcome our new county administrator, Bill Ashton. He joined the county yesterday, and this is his first board meeting. Welcome, Bill.”
Ashton replaces Randall Vosburg, who resigned in February after nearly two years in the role. Vosburg had succeeded Fred Presley, who vacated the position in April 2022. Ashton now steps into the leadership role with a strong background in public administration, previously serving as the Town Manager of Herndon and Director of Information Technology for the town. His academic credentials include a master’s degree in Public Administration from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He is also a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Virginia Local Government Managers Association.
In his new position, Ashton will manage all county departments, oversee daily operations, and implement policies set by the Board of Supervisors. The Board expressed confidence in his leadership and ability to address the county’s key priorities, including infrastructure, growth management, and public services. He will be paid a $295,000 annual salary.
Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3. at 5 p.m.
On the agenda:
Planning and zoning is submitting a request to authorize the Interim County Administrator to purchase 55 acres off of Spotted Tavern Road as part of a land conservation program. The property is Tax Map Parcel No. 25-38 (Harris Property), and the request also includes budgeting and appropriating the state portion of the funds for the purchase.
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The Stafford Sheriff's Office was called to Historic Port of Falmouth Beach, 401 River Road, on Saturday, August 24, for a report of a drunken man on the public beach.
According to a police report, deputies found the man had White Claw hard seltzer, was charged with public intoxication, and was taken to a jail to sober up. The arrest occurred at 6:38 p.m., police said. County officials have banned alcohol from the popular swimming spot on the Rappahannock River.
