Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.

The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.

The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.

The board will also discuss whether to create a committee to review the purpose of the Diversity Advisory Coalition (DAC), which was formed in September 2020 in the wake of protests and riots following the death of George Floyd. The DAC website shows no meetings since 2022, although many were scheduled in 2023. The meeting notes from October 2022 state DAC had reached out to the board for participation in DAC events, but received no response. In November 2022, they decided not to hold a December meeting. We reached out to the members listed online, but received no response.

The board will also consider a draft of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Stafford County Department of Economic Development. The Director of Economic Development was given the task in January 2024 to clearly define the tasks and duties of each entity and ways in which they need to collaborate. The office of Economic Development consulted with county administration to draft a division of duties chart, which they then presented to the EDA who approved it in August 2024. A future, finalized version will be presented for consideration at a later meeting.

Local leaders are working to advance legislative priorities critical to Stafford County during the current Virginia General Assembly session. These initiatives aim to secure funding for education, address fiscal challenges stemming from tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and allow localities to raise funds for school construction through a voter referendum. However, a recent legislative setback underscores the challenges faced in Richmond.

Setback for Disabled Veterans Exemption Reimbursements

Senator Jeremy McPike’s SB 1312, which sought supplemental payments for localities heavily impacted by real estate tax exemptions for disabled veterans, has died in committee. On January 23, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 7-6 to pass the bill indefinitely, effectively halting its progress this session.

The bill aimed to support communities like Stafford in maintaining essential services while accommodating a growing veteran population.

Fair Education Funding

Delegate Josh Cole’s HB 2164 proposes adjustments to the Local Composite Index (LCI) to account for tax-exempt property values. The measure would ensure education funding better reflects a locality’s true financial capacity. The bill was effectively defeated when the House Appropriations Subcommittee recommended laying it on the table on January 20, 2025, with an 8-0 vote. Alternative approaches, including budget amendments by Delegate Paul Milde and Senator Tara Durant, remain under consideration.

1% Sales Tax Referendum for School Construction

The county also supports SB 1307, which would allow localities to hold voter referendums to enact a 1% sales tax increase dedicated to school construction. The full Senate has passed the measure with a substantial majority. It now moves to the House, where it faces further scrutiny.

A similar bill passed both chambers last year but was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Advocates are cautiously optimistic about its prospects this session.

As Stafford pushes for these legislative measures, the General Assembly approaches crossover, the session’s midpoint when each chamber must finalize and send its bills to the other chamber for review. This year, crossover falls on February 4, adding urgency for Stafford’s legislative team to gain traction on key bills.

The county also addressed concerns about panhandling regulations and roadway safety. A proposal from Delegate Milde would impose fines on exchanges between motorists and pedestrians in medians. While the majority of board members supported the measure as a public safety tool, Aquia Distirct Supervisor Monica Gary raised concerns about its potential impact on vulnerable populations.

A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.

The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.

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Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.

Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.

The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I extend my deepest apologies to Ms. Becelia for the hardship and embarrassment she has endured,” said Diggs. “We acknowledge the impact this has had on her personal life and family and are committed to fostering a better environment of trust and collaboration moving forward.”

Diggs further emphasized the board’s intention to address procedural shortcomings to prevent similar situations. The matter will be reviewed during a January 28 work session.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library serves Stafford County and surrounding areas, providing the community with critical educational and cultural resources. With Brown’s appointment, the county aims to turn the page on recent controversies and reaffirm its commitment to the library system’s mission.

This development follows the December 17, 2024, formal censure of Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District, for removing Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board accused Gary of providing misleading information that led to the unjust ousting of Becelia and violating the board’s Code of Performance. As part of her punishment, Gary was removed from all board assignments and committee appointments.

The censure resolution, passed by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, stated that Gary’s actions were “political in nature” and aimed at securing support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, a one-term supervisor who ran without political affiliation, has announced her intention to seek another term representing the Aquia District.

Gary has announced she will not seek re-election after her term ends on December 31, 2025.

During the meeting, Gary defended herself, accusing her colleagues of retaliation and alleging violations of federal and state laws. “This is retaliation, it is illegal under federal law as it was when I was removed from the library board for making my colleagues look bad,” Gary said. “This is an abuse of power, and if I have to be the only person to stand up here and deal with it, I’m happy to do that.”

Gary further accused the board of damaging public trust. “The public doesn’t trust because this board is not trustworthy and has shown themselves not to be so. What we’re witnessing right now is an abuse of power,” she stated.

Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung, who abstained from the censure vote, expressed regret over the situation. “Two wrongs don’t make one right,” Yeung said. “I regret that this mistake happened, but I’m not voting to remove Supervisor Gary because I believe that was a necessary decision to remove her from the library board itself.”

In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.

The Funding Debate

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Funeral services for Robert “Bob” C. Gibbons, a former member of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, will be held on Friday, January 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. William of York Catholic Church, located at 3130 Richmond Hwy, Stafford.

Gibbons, who recently passed away, dedicated more than 34 years to serving the citizens of Stafford County, leaving an indelible legacy of leadership and commitment. He represented the Rock Hill District on the Board of Supervisors from 1991 to 2007, serving multiple terms as Chairman and Vice Chairman.

In addition to his time on the Board, Gibbons served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for four years and the Utilities Commission for two years. His contributions extended to the Planning Commission during two different periods, where he championed key initiatives, including the Transfer of Development Rights Program, the expansion of Transportation Impact Fees, and the creation of a Historic Interpretive zoning category.

“Bob Gibbons exemplified dedication to Stafford County,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Deuntay Diggs in a press release. “His passion for education, libraries, and community advancement inspired those who worked alongside him. On behalf of the Board and the citizens of Stafford County, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and gratitude for his years of service.”

Gibbons was known for his ability to listen and apply community feedback to local government objectives. Even after his time in office, he and his wife Lois remained involved in the community, frequently attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies and special events, reflecting their deep love for Stafford County, the press release states.

Additional information is available at the Covenant Funeral Service website.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road. One of the key items on the agenda is a proposal to bring a new outpatient behavioral therapy clinic to the Griffis-Widewater District.

Renaissance Healthcare Group Virginia, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP24155647) to operate a hospital use within the B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District at 125 Woodstream Blvd, Suite 401. If approved, the clinic will provide adult behavioral therapy and counseling services, with operations limited to 5,050 square feet and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The staff has recommended approval of the proposal, stating that it aligns with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which supports commercial development in suburban areas. Additionally, the clinic’s location and intended use are consistent with the existing development pattern along Garrisonville Road.

The county’s Planning Commission previously reviewed the application and voted unanimously in favor of recommending its approval. No significant adverse impacts have been identified in staff evaluations, strengthening the case for approval.

The public is encouraged to attend Tuesday’s meeting to provide feedback on the proposal and other agenda items. Stay with Potomac Local News for updates on the outcomes of the meeting and other developments in Stafford County.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors began its first meeting of 2025 with a significant leadership transition. Supervisor Deuntay Diggs was elected chairman in a 4-3 vote, succeeding outgoing Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. Diggs addressed his new role during the meeting and outlined his expectations for the year ahead, emphasizing transparency and teamwork.

Chairman Diggs’ Vision

Supervisor Diggs took a moment to reflect on the responsibilities of his new position and the values he brings to the role. “The citizens in the George Washington District knew that I was a law enforcement officer in this community. I love my job. And part of being a law enforcement officer is conducting ourselves with integrity. And so I will continue to do so, and I can serve in this role and do that as well,” Diggs said.

He further expressed a strong desire to foster collaboration among the board members. “The goal is that we’re gonna work together as a team. I’m not asking, I’m demanding that. That’s the expectation,” he stated. Diggs’ remarks came as a call to unity, encouraging board members to prioritize cooperation and accountability.

The board also elected Supervisor Tinesha Allen as vice chair in a 5-2 vote.

Community Concerns Addressed

Several public speakers attended the meeting to voice concerns, including issues surrounding the treatment of citizen volunteers on county boards. Mary Becelia, a former Library Trustee Board member, reiterated the need for protection for citizen volunteers and called for a formal apology from the board regarding her removal last year.

Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary was censured for her role in Becelia’s removal in December 2024.

Diggs was acknowledged explicitly for his prior apology to Basile. Public speaker Clayton Calvert remarked, “Thank you, Supervisor Diggs, for your ongoing courage, not only for your role as a police officer in this community but on this dais, when you showed bravery in a different setting.”

Transparency and Accountability Discussions

During the meeting, a proposal was raised to revise the board’s Code of Conduct, focusing on transparency and accountability, particularly for board members working as county employees. Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch suggested adding a clause requiring employees to take leave for board-related activities during work hours and to submit leave requests for public review. While the motion was withdrawn, the board agreed to revisit the discussion in a future work session.

In response, Diggs reiterated his commitment to transparency. “If there’s any, clearly there’s only two people on this board that this comment and this is aimed at, and that’s myself and Supervisor English. And if anyone has questions about how much I work or when I’m working or when I’m not working, they can always contact the Sheriff’s office,” he said.

Diggs is a county sheriff’s deputy, while English retired from the sheriff’s office as a deputy and still works there part-time.

Supervisor Monica Gary’s No Votes

Supervisor Monica Gary cast “no” votes on multiple appointments during the meeting, explaining that her decision stemmed from what she described as retaliation by the board for her previous actions. Gary had publicly called out the board’s handling of Mary Becelia’s removal from the Library Trustee Board, accusing the board of violating state code.

Gary’s dissenting votes come after her recent announcement that she would not seek a second term on the board. This decision follows her censure in 2024 for her stance on the controversial removal of Becelia. Gary stated, “It is my position that because this board is continuing to retaliate against me by withholding appointments when I exercise free speech to call this board’s violation out of the Virginia Code 4.2.1-35 when removing Ms. Becelia, I will not support any of the appointments.”

The board concluded its meeting focusing on setting a collaborative tone for the year ahead.

Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.

Supervisor Monica Gary, Aquia District, confirmed the meeting is still held despite the county government and schools closing for weather conditions.

Tonight’s meeting is primarily organizational, with the board set to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman. They will also review their proposed meeting schedule for the new year, and consider appointments to a number of committees and boards.

Stafford’s Board of Supervisors is comprised of seven elected representatives, who each represent a district in the county.

Meg Bohmke, the 2024 chair of the board, represents the Falmouth District. She moved from the county School Board to Board of Supervisors in 2014; her current term ends December 2025.

Tinesha Allen, 2024 Vice Chair, represents the Griffis-Widewater District. She was first elected to the board in November 2019; her current term ends December 2027.

Monica Gary represents the Aquia District. She was elected in 2022, and has announced she will not run again after her term ends in December 2025.

Dr. Pamela Yeung represents the Garrisonville District. She was elected in 2022, and her term ends December 2025.

Deuntay Diggs represents the George Washington District. The board’s newest member, he was elected in 2024, and his term ends in December 2027.

Darrell English represents the Hartwood District. He joined the board in 2022, and his term ends December 2025.

Crystal Vanuch represents the Rock Hill District. She was first elected to the board in November 2019, and her current term ends December 2027.