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Issue 111
Friday, April 8, 2022
Prince William County
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Dear Neighbors,
Next week will be the final opportunity for you to provide input on the Proposed FY2023 Budget. Firstly, on Monday, April 11, at 5:00 pm, the Office of Management and Budget is closing the online budget Q&A portal. Therefore, you need to submit any questions you have before then. Please note, the database will remain online for review after it closes. There is also a FAQs section on the same page. This Q&A portal is a wealth of information!
Secondly, on Tuesday, April 12, at 7:30 pm, the Board of County Supervisors will hold the final Budget Public Hearing. The entire topic will be the FY2023 County Budget. It will be held in the Board Chamber of the McCoart Building at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge. All residents and other members of the public may attend the public hearings in-person or participate remotely. The deadline to register to speak remotely is Monday, April 11 at 5:00 pm.
Recent issues have provided many budget resources to help keep you informed throughout the budget process. As part of Tuesday's Public Hearing, a two-page budget Public Hearing Notice is available that provides a side-by-side comparison of the current and proposed expenditure summary, revenue estimates, and tax rates and levies.
In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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Led by Director of Finance/CFO Michelle L. Attreed, the PWC Finance Department promotes excellence, quality, and efficiency by maximizing available resources. The award-winning Department ( issue 99 County News and issue 78 County Kudos) does this by providing innovative financial and risk mitigation services to a broad range of internal and external customers. |
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The Financial Reporting and Control Accounting Division maintains the County's books and records, ensures compliance with federal legislation, and facilitates the annual audit required by the Code of Virginia. The Risk and Wellness Services Division manages and administers the County’s occupational safety and health, environmental, and insurance programs, which includes property, crime, aviation, and bonds. It also manages and administers the Prince William Self-Insurance Group, which provides workers’ compensation, general liability, auto liability, and pollution coverages.
The Payroll and Disbursements Division pays approximately 40,000 vendors and 4,100 employees annually. The Real Estate Assessments Office annually assesses all real property in PWC, except public service properties (operating railroads, interstate pipelines, and public utilities). Procurement Services competitively solicits commonly used supplies and services and awards contracts for PWC government. The Treasury Management Division manages the County’s cash flow, investments, and debt portfolio. It also performs economic and revenue analysis and forecasting, produces the County’s demographic statistics, and provides analysis and recommendations on issues involving financial policy. |
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"Our Department of Finance touches every County department, employee and capital project, as well as the vast majority of our residents. They are constantly improving their systems and processes to address the enormous increase in the number of transactions and responsibilities they face with our ever-growing county. "
Ann Wheeler
Chair At-Large Board of County Supervisors
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Friday, April 1, Chair Wheeler was on WAMU 88.5, American University Radio, Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi. The wide-ranging interview with host Kojo Nnamdi and Martin Austermuhle, a reporter in WAMU’s newsroom, covered data centers, the County budget, Governor Youngkin's first months in office, public and mental health, the Washington Commanders new stadium possibilities, and several listener call-in questions. You can hear the 20-minute interview here ( starts at 12:03:57 pm) or read the transcript here. |
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Wednesday, April 6, Chair Wheeler participated in the PWC Police Department Promotion Ceremony in the Hall of Heroes of the Central District Police Station in Woodbridge. Since the last promotion ceremony held in September 2021, 26 sworn and profession staff members were promoted and given the opportunity to be recognized by department leadership, their peers, and loved ones at today’s ceremony. In total, 15 members participated in the ceremony the event. |
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1st row (left to right): Deborah Carter, Kimberly Kerton, Amanda Causey, Master Police Officer Hillary Szalach, Lieutenant Saemi Kitchens, Gina Lapihuska, Master Police Officer Chad Gourlay.
2nd row (left to right): Captain Brandan Dudley, Lieutenant Daniel Crawford, First Sergeant Matthew Smith, Sergeant Sonny Rostami, First Sergeant Benjamin Infanti, First Sergeant Caillen Smith, Sergeant Paul Leonard, Master Police Officer Garrett Gourlay.
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The history of the Farmers Market traces back to real estate developer, Cecil D. Hylton. A sod farmer who began his career as a young man who sold farm goods and produce at the farmers market in Washington, DC. In 1968, Hylton began construction of affordable homes, just 22 miles south of the nation’s capital. Dale City, known as “The Friendliest Little Town,” quickly became one of the fastest growing, self-sustaining, communities in the nation. |
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Protecting Yourself and Others:
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Tuesday, April 12
2:00 pm Regular Meeting
7:30 pm Budget Recap Presentation and Budget Public Hearing
For Public Comment Time options visit SpeakUp! Prince William. Remote speakers must sign-up by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 11. In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
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BOCS's Proclamations During April 4 Meeting |
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April 2022 was proclaimed "Child Abuse Prevention Month." Child abuse is considered to be one of our nation's most serious public health problems. Scientific studies document the link between the abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral disorders. Children are our most valuable resources and will shape the County's future. Prevention is the best defense and PWC is committed to supporting families through programs to prevent child abuse and neglect. Effective prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families. See County News below to learn how PWC is recognizing Child Abuse Month. |
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From July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, there were 3,842 cases of suspected child abuse and neglect reported in PWC.
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Courtney Tierney, Director of the PWC Department of Social Services (left of center) and Clarice Torian, Department of Social Services Advisory Board (right of center) accepted the proclamation. |
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The week of April 10-16 was proclaimed “Public Safety Telecommunications Week” (issue 102 Dept Talk and Tour) and honored the people whose diligence, compassion, understanding, and professionalism keep our county and citizens safe. When an emergency occurs the “first” first responders are public safety telecommunicators. They are the most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services by being virtually “on the scene,” providing emergency instructions, and moral support to callers in distress while dispatching field responders and equipment. The PWC Public Safety Communications Center has contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, and treatment of patients. |
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of 9-1-1 service in the United States and in the same year, PWC became the first community to offer 9-1-1 service on the East Coast.
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Representing the Department of Public Safety Communication (left to right): Dan Alexander, Deputy County Executive, Deja Snyder, Training Coordinator, Kaytie Carroll, Assistant Director of Administration, Eddie Reyes, Director, Kesha Beckley, Telecommunicator, and Tracy Zingg, Assistant Director of Operations accepted the proclamation. |
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March 26 was proclaimed “National Vietnam War Veterans Day” and honored our Vietnam veterans, fallen, wounded, those unaccounted for, former prisoners of war, and their families. Inspiration is drawn from the heroes who suffered unspeakably as prisoners of war yet returned home with their heads held high. Those who were wounded still carry the seen and unseen scars of war. Let us pledge as a Nation to do everything in our power to bring patriots still missing home. May the military family members and veterans who carry a pain that may never fade find peace in knowing their loved ones endure, not only in medal and memories, but in the hearts of all Americans, who are forever grateful for their service, valor, and sacrifice. |
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In the Vietnam War, one of the longest wars involving America, service members pushed through jungles and rice paddies, enduring heat and monsoons, fighting heroically to protect the ideals we hold dear as Americans. More than:
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3,000,000 left their families to serve bravely, a world away from everything they knew and everyone they loved.
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58,000 names etched in the black granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know.
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1,600 are still among the missing.
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A group of PWC Vietnam War Veterans accepted the proclamation.
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This week, PWC officials, representatives from several community organizations, and residents planted a pinwheel garden to mark April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue pinwheel, representing the whimsy and innocence of childhood, is a national symbol for child abuse prevention. Its shape calls to mind the positive cycles of love and support. The garden is located in the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in front of the ellipse near the McCoart Building at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect should call the PWC Child Protective Services/Adult Protective Services Hotline at 703-792-4200, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On weekends and holidays, call the State Child Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-552-7096.
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“We’re hopeful that this garden here serves as a reminder to the community that we all have the responsibility of looking out for our children, and if you see something, say something. Make a phone call because we have an awesome, awesome department of social services that will respond and that will look into the suspicions that are reported.”
Clarice Torian
Advisory Board Chair of the Department of Social Services
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This year, the Child Abuse Prevention month theme in PWC is “Strengthening Families by Building Resilience.” The PWC Department of Social Services has created a Strengthening Families by Building Resilience Month online calendar with hyperlinks to provide families with a host of ideas and resources for daily activities. By building resilience and working together, we can keep children and families safe and well. |
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Cognitive development and problem-solving skills: By helping children engage in problem-solving activities, they not only gain a sense of self-efficacy and mastery, they also re-engage the parts of their brain that may have been offline.
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Self-regulation: Identified as “the cornerstone” of child development, helping children develop self-regulation allows them to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a way that enables goal-directed actions.
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Relationships with caring adults: By developing relationships with caring adults, whether they be parents, family members, coaches, teachers, or neighbors, children learn about healthy relationships that are consistent, predictable, and safe as they receive guidance, comfort, and mentoring.
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If you are concerned about the abuse or neglect of a child, please report it by calling the Protective Services hotline at 703-792-4200 or the State Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-552-7096.
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Housing Choice Wait List Applications |
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Chair Wheeler's office is accepting donations through Friday, April 15, for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NRVC) drive for Ukrainian refugees ( issue 108 opening letter). You can drop off any item from the list below at the Chair's office located in the McCoart Building at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge ( get directions) weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Additional drop off locations in the region can be found here. |
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Due to the bitter cold the refugees are facing, the NVRC is specifically requesting donations of:
- New/Gently Used Coats
- New Blankets
- New Pairs of Sweat Socks/Heavy Socks
- New Pairs of Gloves
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Upcoming Free Library Programs |
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Check out the free programs that await you at Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) Monday, April 11, through Thursday, April 14, in the video below. There's Tai Chi, Art Appreciation, Smart Money, an Egg Drop Challenge, and Batman Escape Rooms. The PWPL event calendar will keep you in the know on what's happening every week. |
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Applications Being Accepted |
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The inaugural 2022 Summer Session Youth Orchestra of Prince William (YOPW) is accepting applications for its two-week program at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Participation is by invitation only and space is limited. Enthusiastic instrumentalists and singers are strongly encouraged to apply without regard to whether they have had private teachers in the past. The program will allow inexperienced musicians to learn from their peers and give more experienced musicians the chance to grow by teaching. Attendees will get to meet and hear a performance by GoGo Symphony and DC Strings Orchestra. Learn more and apply here. |
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Important Details
- The session runs from Wednesday, June 28 to Friday, July 1 AND Tuesday, July 5 to Saturday, July 9.
- Instrumentalists and singers who will be between the ages of 11 and 19 as of June 28, 2022, may apply.
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Varsity and Junior Varsity Orchestras will be held from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm.
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Chorus will be held from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.
- If offered a seat in the program, the participation fee is $350 per student with need-based scholarships available upon request.
Deadline to apply is 5:00 pm, Monday, May 16. |
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Burnside Farms 2022 Festival of Spring, one of the longest-running spring festivals of its kind in North America, is open! The approximately 1 million planted bulbs provide more than 200 varieties of tulips and over 30 varieties of daffodils. Three to five pick-your-own flowers are included with admission and more can be picked for purchase. The festival is expected to stay open through Easter weekend, possibly longer if the weather permits. |
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Tickets must be pre-purchased online and are time specific to ensure a pleasant visit for all guests. They are typically released four days at a time. If a ticket date is not available, tickets have not been released for that day yet. |
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Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed over 100 bills into law, which will go into effect July 1, 2022. The Governor has until 11:59:59 pm, Monday, April 11, to sign into law the remaining bills from the 2022 General Assembly. The full lists of the bills he has signed can be found in his April 2 and April 8 Press Releases. |
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Below are some of the bills that have been signed which may be of interest to PWC citizens. The summaries provided are very high-level. If a topic is of interest to you, use the hyperlink to read the bill in full. |
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Agriculture and Wildlife
Veterans and Military
HB 540 extends driver’s licenses to accommodate for military deployments.
HB 120 reduces the fees for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans.
SB 212 authorizes special license plates for United States Navy and creates the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund.
Public Safety
HB 283 and SB 467 requires establishment of training standards for law-enforcement personnel regarding the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking.
Education
HB 246 and SB 596 allows for excused absences for students participating in 4-H education programs.
HB 938 addresses evaluation of and recommendations for certain current and proposed policies and performance standards for public elementary and secondary schools.
SB 656 addresses policies on sexually explicit content in instructional material.
HB 1215 addresses personal safety training in grades seven and eight physical education class.
Diversity
HB 141 and SB 158 established the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund.
SB 477 and HB 140 changes qualifying dates for Historical African American cemeteries from prior to January 1, 1900, to prior to January 1, 1948.
Environment
HB 774 and SB 499 creates a task force to analyze the life cycle of renewable energy facilities in the Commonwealth.
Insurance
HB 225 and SB 321 addresses the definition of autism spectrum disorder.
SB 15 and HB 1156 establishes family leave insurance as a class of insurance.
Animal Welfare
SB 90 requires breeders of dogs and cats for animal testing facilities to offer the animal for adoption prior to euthanizing it.
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Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 482,000 residents. |
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