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.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2o24, to delay a decision on the proposed Stafford Technology Park, a sprawling data center complex, until September 17, 2024. The deferral follows extensive discussions about the project’s potential impact on the county’s water resources and infrastructure.
The Stafford Technology Park, planned for over 500 acres in the Falmouth District, would transform undeveloped land into a significant data center hub. The proposed development includes 23 buildings, with a total floor area of 5.8 million square feet, and would require substantial infrastructure upgrades, including new road extensions and up to six electric substations.
Concerns Over Water Usage
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The Stafford Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit to allow the construction of a new elementary school, the yet-to-be built Elementary School 19, that will exceed the maximum height limit in the A1 Agricultural Zoning district. The vote passed 6 to 1, with Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung voting against the proposal.
The yet-be-named school will be built on the site of Brook Point High and Stafford Middle schools, located on Spartan Drive and Black Hawk Drive, near Courthouse Road. The permit allows the school to be built up to 57 feet in height, which is above the standard 35-foot height limit for buildings in the A1 zoning district.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has amended its By-laws to implement a new meeting schedule starting August 20, 2024, which includes three meeting days per month: A Day for business items, B-Day for work sessions and public hearings, and C Day for additional work sessions as needed. All meetings will begin at 5 p.m. to encourage greater public participation, and public comment opportunities will remain available on both A and B Days.
Press release:
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors has amended its by-laws to create a new meeting schedule. The board will have three meeting days, two of which are planned business days. The third meeting day will be a dedicated Work Session meeting as needed. Meetings will also begin at 5 p.m.
The proposed changes were first reviewed by the board on June 4 and again on July 2. All board members were able to participate in the discussion and review the changes. According to Stafford's news release, "this transparent process, which also allowed public input on the change, was designed to ensure your voice was heard and that you were fully informed about the decision-making process."
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Stafford’s Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning request for 133 acres from Residential to Industrial at their July 2 meeting.
Belmont Park, LLC requested to rezone 133 acres from R-1 (Residential) and A-1 (Agriculture) to M-1 (Light Industrial) and M-2 (Heavy Industrial). The proposed site layout includes light industrial warehouses in the northeast near the VDOT parking lot and a large, heavy industrial distribution warehouse with smaller warehouses in the southwest.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has announced Bill Ashton as the new County Administrator following a national search. Ashton has served as the Town Manager of Herndon, Virginia, since 2017, and will begin his new role on September 16, 2024, taking over from interim County Administrator Craig Meadows.
Meg Bohmke, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of the selection, saying, "The selection of a County Administrator is vital for the Board to ensure the continued delivery of effective government services and the Board’s priorities of keeping Stafford a safe community with a strong educational system while balancing our growing needs." She highlighted Ashton's educational background, professional experience, and accomplishments as aligning with the community’s vision.
