At the November 7, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, county officials unveiled a proposal to build a five-story, 196,000-square-foot courthouse across from the government center, a project estimated at $209 million. The ambitious plan aims to address critical space and security issues within Stafford’s judicial system and accommodate projected caseload growth in the coming years.
The proposed courthouse would replace the current facility, which has faced criticism for overcrowding, outdated design, and accessibility challenges. The new building, featuring modern security measures and expansion potential, is intended to meet the county’s needs for at least 12 years, according to county staff.
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A proposal to grant Stafford County employees additional holiday time around Thanksgiving and Christmas led to a heated debate among members of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors at their recent meeting. The proposal, which would give employees an additional four hours off before each holiday — effectively turning them into full days off — failed in a 3-3 tie, with one board member absent. The issue is set to be revisited at the next board meeting.
Supporters of the proposal argue that granting these extra hours shows appreciation for county employees and would boost morale. "Our employees work incredibly hard throughout the year, and this is a small gesture of thanks that can go a long way in showing them we value their efforts," said Aquia Supervisor Monica Gary. "Taking care of our staff helps us retain talented people and makes Stafford County a more attractive place to work."
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Germanna Community College (GCC) has expanded its presence in Stafford County with the opening of two new state-of-the-art locations designed to serve local students and support workforce development, including specialized resources for military personnel stationed at Quantico. The facilities, located on Center Street in Stafford, mark a significant milestone in the college’s mission to offer accessible education and workforce training across the region.
Dr. Cheri Maea, Dean of Academic and Workforce Operations and site supervisor for the new Stafford location, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion and its potential impact on Stafford County’s educational landscape. "These new facilities will allow us to double our nursing program and provide our students with modern resources and programs right in their community," Maier said. "Our goal is to make it easier for students to get the education they need to excel in high-demand fields without having to travel far."
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on November 7, 2024, to discuss proposed adjustments to the 2025 holiday calendar for county employees. County Administrator Bill Ashton recommends extending the holiday schedule to offer more paid time off for government staff, aligning with similar provisions in the Virginia state holiday calendar but with additional enhancements.
Proposed Holiday Adjustments
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 15, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be 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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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering updates to its salary administration policy to tackle ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in specialized fields like law enforcement, engineering, and planning. The proposed changes come as the county struggles to fill key roles critical to maintaining effective public services.
During a board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, members deliberated on how best to proceed with the complex policy changes. One of the primary issues discussed was whether the board should hold a work session or proceed with two-on-two meetings to expedite decision-making. The county’s Human Resources Department has been working on these policy recommendations to ensure Stafford County remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
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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.
