Stafford County boards weigh school tax referendum, data center zoning, and Comcast franchise talks
Stafford County's Board of Supervisors placed a potential 1% retail sales tax referendum for school construction on its July 7 agenda, headlining a busy two-week stretch of county meetings. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, the items below reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed outcomes.
Board of Supervisors — July 7
The Board's agenda included a proposed referendum for a local general retail sales tax of up to 1% to fund school construction or renovations. If advanced, the measure would go before voters.
Also on the agenda:
- A zoning reclassification from A-1 Agricultural to M-2 Heavy Industrial for the Potomac Creek Campus (Tax Map Parcel No. 38-126).
- A Comprehensive Plan amendment on the siting of high-voltage electric transmission lines.
- A contract with BKV Group DC, PLLC for design of a new courthouse building.
- A grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation for a Safe Streets 4 All grant.
Planning Commission — July 8
The Planning Commission was scheduled to review comprehensive plan compliance and a zoning reclassification from P-TND to B-2 for Fire and Rescue Station #9 on tax map parcel 21-49V.
The agenda also included proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance Sec. 28-25 and Sec. 28-102 regarding drive-through facilities, and a new TRC submission for a 3.83-acre lumber storage facility south of Sanford Dr.
Several items related to the Accokeek Center — including comprehensive plan amendments and heavy industrial zoning — were listed as deferred.
Telecommunications Commission — July 9
The Telecommunications Commission was set to elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman. Chief Information Officer Andrew Spence was scheduled to lead a discussion on negotiations for the Comcast franchise agreement.
Historical Commission — July 15
The Historical Commission's agenda included a discussion of the Potomac Creek Data Center application, referencing the July 7 Board of Supervisors meeting. The agenda also listed public presentations, a chairman's report, a Cemetery Committee report, and reports by commission members. No specific decisions were indicated.
Planning Commission Sub-Committee — July 16
The Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Update Sub-Committee was scheduled to review draft revisions to multiple chapters. Transportation Planning and Funding Manager Matthew Lehane was listed to lead the review of Chapter 4. Other agenda items included future land use recommendations for the Chatham & Berea TDA, a discussion on revitalization in Chapter 3, a review of Chapter 2 policies, and a project timeline discussion.
Economic Development Authority — July 17
The EDA agenda included a bond fee comparison chart and a draft bond application, a PB Mares engagement letter for an audit, and a marketing & events contract. The board was also scheduled to elect officers for Chairman, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. A closed session was listed to consider matters under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 A5 and A6.
Coming up
- **Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission — July 20:** The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate with no specific projects, contracts, or policy decisions listed.
All recent meeting agendas are available through Stafford County's official meeting portal. Minutes for the sessions listed above had not been published as of this report.