Board of Supervisors - 2026-03-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 17, 2026 focused heavily on budget concerns, legislative updates from the Virginia General Assembly session, and utilities infrastructure planning. The board approved a $25 million literary loan at 3% interest for Drew Middle School construction, adopted amendments to county code regulating reclaimed water use for data center cooling, and unanimously approved a rezoning from A-1 to M-1 for a contractor's equipment storage yard on Powell Lane. Significant discussion centered on collective bargaining legislation impacts and the board's decision not to advance a resolution opposing ICE detention facilities.
Key Decisions (10)
Drew Middle School Literary Loan - $25 Million
Board approved issuance of $25 million in debt through Virginia Literary Loan Program for new Drew Middle School construction at 3% interest rate, saving approximately $120,000 per year or $2.4 million over the 20-year loan life compared to VPSA rates of approximately 4.25%.
Reclaimed Water Ordinance Amendments - Chapter 25
Board approved amendments to Stafford County Code Chapter 25 to regulate and facilitate use of reclaimed water, establishing Level 1 treatment standards, prohibiting potable water for evaporative cooling (with limited public use exceptions), and requiring Board-approved water service agreements for reclaimed water users.
Water, Sewer and Reclaim Water System Master Plan Adoption
Board approved amending the comprehensive plan to adopt new Stafford County Water, Sewer and Reclaim Water System Master Plan, replacing 2018 version. Plan addresses 15% reduction in projected water use, technology upgrades to wastewater plants, and 6 MGD reclaimed water system capacity serving Potomac Church and Stafford Technology Campus data centers.
J.P. Mercer Powell Lane Rezoning - A-1 to M-1
Board approved rezoning of approximately 1 acre on tax map parcels 44-93G and 44-93J from A-1 Agricultural to M-1 Industrial Light for contractor's equipment and storage yard. Located at terminus of Powell Lane, approximately half mile southwest of Warrenton Road in George Washington District.
Tank Creek Preserve Open Space Easement Acceptance
Board approved accepting open space easement on 20-acre Tank Creek Preserve property in Widewater (tax map parcel 20-277), to be co-held with US Navy. Property acquired by Northern Virginia Conservation Trust with state and federal grant funding, entirely forested with spring feeding Tank Creek.
Congressionally Directed Spending Applications for FY2027
Board authorized County Administrator to submit three earmark projects: R26-74 for EMS transport units replacement (two ambulances for Brook and Widewater stations via USDA Rural Development), R26-75 for Route 1 and Lay Hill Road intersection improvements, and R26-76 for Eskimo Hill and Route 1 intersection improvements. Total ask just under $6 million.
Fire Chief Appointment to Ravana Rappahannock EMS Council
Board appointed Fire Chief Joseph Cardillo as Stafford County's representative to the Ravana Rappahannock EMS Council Advisory Committee following January 2026 merger of Rappahannock EMS Council with Thomas Jefferson EMS Council under Virginia Department of Health restructuring.
ICE Detention Facility Resolution Not Advanced
Dr. Young proposed a resolution opposing ICE detention facilities in Stafford County and requested attorney review. Board declined to advance the resolution, with members citing no current proposals for such facilities, concerns about land use implications, and characterizing it as performative given federal supremacy clause issues.
Budget Timeline Adjustment Discussion
Board discussed potentially moving April 21 tax rate public hearing to April 24-25 due to Virginia General Assembly not passing budget, which may not be available until April 21. County Administrator to consult with Treasurer on feasibility and report back at next work session.
Forensic Audit Discussion
Supervisor English requested board consensus for forensic audit of county departments to examine spending line by line. Board agreed to place item on future work session after budget season to define scope and obtain cost estimates before proceeding.
Zoning Changes (1)
Tax map parcels 44-93G and 44-93J, Powell Lane terminus, George Washington District
J.P. Mercer
Development Activity (8)
Drew Middle School Replacement
$107 million total project; $25 million literary loan, approximately $10,000 in proffers, remainder VPSA funding; construction bids opened March 17, 2026; construction expected to start summer 2026
J.P. Mercer Contractor's Equipment Storage Yard
Approximately 1 acre; gravel or asphalt storage yard; no buildings proposed initially; 6-foot opaque security fence; estimated 13 trips per day for proposed use
Stafford Technology Campus Data Center
Water-cooled data center campus; allocated approximately 5.2 MGD of reclaimed water; requires upgraded Centerport/Potomac Creek pump station to be built by developer through proffers
Potomac Church Data Center Campus
Water-cooled data center campus; allocated approximately 0.5 MGD of reclaimed water from Northern reclaim system
Belmont Park
132 acres; previously proposed as varsity training center with sports tourism facilities, 300-room hotel, dining and retail; current GDP for truck freight terminal and warehouses; property remains undeveloped
Sports Coliseum Resort
Proposed regional sports tourism destination with theater capacity of 800-1,000 seats, school for the arts, concert series capability; presenter requested 90-day working group formation
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Expansion
Proposed expansion to 800-1,000 seat capacity; school for arts training in theater, music, dance, technical theater; facility available for county civic use
Reclaimed Water System - Northern System
6 MGD design capacity, peaking at 9 MGD; includes filter treatment upgrades, separate distribution system, two 2-million gallon storage tanks, upgraded sewer pump station; 100% privately funded through proffers
Market Signals (8)
Housing Demand
Water demand projections show 15% reduction from 2018 estimates, indicating slower growth than previously anticipated, with build-out water demands expected to reach 19.6 MGD from current 8.8 MGD by 2060-2070.
Infrastructure
County's reclaimed water system is nearly fully allocated with 5.7 of 6 MGD committed to two approved data center projects, leaving only 300,000-500,000 gallons per day for future industrial cooling users.
Commercial Demand
Public comment noted lack of significant commercial business growth outside of data centers over the last two years, with Route 17 corridor characterized as primarily truck stops and gas stations.
Sentiment
Multiple residents expressed concerns about rising property taxes, with one retiree noting 40% increase in real estate taxes from 2022-2028 ($4,527 to $6,335) and projected 59% increase if advertised 98.5¢ rate is adopted.
Infrastructure
Powell Lane extension across J.P. Mercer property frontage is under plan review as part of Belmont Park development proffers, creating future primary entrance to that development.
Other
Sports tourism identified as underserved market opportunity, with presenter noting Stafford lacks significant travel destinations and residents travel outside county for entertainment spending.
Housing Demand
Senior tax relief program income limits not keeping pace with tax increases, potentially forcing long-term residents on fixed incomes to relocate.
Infrastructure
Lake Mooney water treatment plant expansion and Abel Lake connection project timeline pushed from 2035 to 2040-2045 due to 15% reduction in projected water demand.