Board of Supervisors Work Session - 2026-03-24
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors held a work session on March 24, 2026, primarily focused on budget timing decisions and utility rate structures. The board voted 4-3 to delay the FY2027 budget and tax rate adoption from April 21st to April 28th to allow more time for state budget clarity. The board unanimously approved moving forward with a tiered commercial water rate structure to shift costs from residential to commercial users. For Destination Stafford development, the board directed staff to pursue a Two Silos-style entertainment venue concept and initiate traffic studies.
Key Decisions (5)
Resolution R26-140 Opposing Collective Bargaining Legislation
Board adopted resolution opposing House Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 378, collective bargaining legislation, due to unfunded costs upon Stafford County. Vote was 5-1-1 with Dr. Young voting no and one member absent.
Budget Adoption Schedule Change to April 28th
Board voted to delay the FY2027 budget adoption and tax rate vote from April 21st to April 28th to allow additional time for state budget clarity. Personal property tax vote will remain on April 21st, with real estate vote moving to April 28th.
Tiered Commercial Water Rate Structure Direction
Board provided unanimous direction to staff to move forward with implementing a tiered commercial water rate structure that would shift costs from residential customers to higher-volume commercial users. The structure would be phased in over three years.
Destination Stafford Development Direction - Two Silos Concept
Board directed staff to pursue a Two Silos-style outdoor entertainment venue concept for the 23-acre Destination Stafford property, including initiating traffic studies and engaging with JPI (Fountain Park owner) for potential partnership.
Revenue Sharing with Stafford County Public Schools Discussion
Board deferred the revenue sharing discussion with schools to May meeting rather than discussing during active budget deliberations.
Development Activity (4)
Destination Stafford Mixed-Use Development
Board directed pursuit of Two Silos-style outdoor entertainment concept including dining, brewing, distillery uses. Site has challenging topography and irregular shape. Adjacent Fountain Park (JPI) has MOU with county for complementary development.
Fountain Park
Zoned for urban development mixed-use, up to five stories. Has MOU with county tied to parking stipulations. Developer has not broken ground in five years since approval. County staff to engage JPI on potential partnership or property sale.
Little Falls Rehab Project
Utilities rehabilitation project approved by board earlier in 2026. Will add to debt service obligations.
Smith Lake Project
Water infrastructure project approved by board earlier in 2026. Part of utilities capital improvement plan.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
School division facing teacher retention challenges due to lower pay compared to Prince William and Spotsylvania counties, with competing jurisdictions offering $20,000-$30,000 more in compensation.
Infrastructure
County utilities debt service currently at $7 million annually from Lake Mooney project, expected to increase by $4-4.5 million by 2029 due to new capital projects.
Commercial Demand
Two previous RFPs for Destination Stafford received zero responses from 600+ developers due to topography challenges, traffic study uncertainty, and insufficient housing density allowances.
Sentiment
Developers expressed concerns about mobile home park adjacent to Destination Stafford site and aging properties affecting desirability for high-end development.
Infrastructure
County electric costs approximately $78 million per year with 10-15% increases expected, representing largest electric user in county.