Issue 11
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

Your Board of County Supervisors reached a milestone with last week's FY2021 County Budget adoption. This year brought unique and significant challenges. The Board, with the help of our dedicated County staff, was able to work through them. The Budget is not a static document. We will be revisiting it at least once a quarter and make adjustments as needed.

In Issue 8, I detailed my stance on several rates in advance of our Budget Public Hearings. The Board did approve my recommendations by:

  • Maintaining a flat real estate tax rate of $1.125 per $100 of assessed value
  • Increasing the motor vehicle license tax from $24 to $33 for cars and trucks and $12 to $20 for motorcycles to the average of the region
  • Increasing business tangible personal property tax rate for computers and peripherals from $1.25 to $1.35 per $100

For my overall perspective of the FY2021 adopted County Budget, I welcome you to use the hyperlink and read the Press Release I issued last week.

In this issue, you'll hear an update from me on a critical initiative. You will also learn about critical areas the County Budget is impacting, my Conversations with the Chair special guest, why Tuesday May 5th is special , updates from our state capitol, an upcoming save the d ate and our April Census report.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
Building Momentum
Prince William County's response to COVID-19 continues to be amazing! One initiative I'm particular ly proud of is the Community Feeding Task Force. In Issue 9 you learned about them and their accomplishments in the first two weeks of April. Through their efforts and community partners, their momentum continues to build and the impact they are making is far-reaching!
Some Of The Task Force's Highlights

Two significant accomplishments in April:
  • Distributed almost 200,000 pounds of food
  • Served nearly 5,000 individuals weekly
A few of the valuable partners making it happen:
  • Didlake, dedicated to helping people with disabilities, donated the temporary warehouse 'hub' for distribution to the 'spokes'
  • Sysco and US Foods with donations of bulk food
Some local businesses who help transform bulk food donations into meals:
Of the 43 charities and other community partner 'spokes' some key ones are :
  • ACTS
  • NVFS SERVE Campus
  • House of Mercy
  • Holy Family
  • Grace Life Community Church
  • Park Valley Church
  • Dar Alnoor
  • The House Student Leadership Center
Follow the Prince William Food Rescue Facebook page to stay up to date on the incredible work they will continue to do for our community.
Board of County Supervisors
May
In order to maintain continuity of government and mitigate exposure to COVID-19, the Ma y regular meeting schedule has been adjusted as noted below. The 2020 schedule can be viewed using the link below and is updated whenever changes are made.
Tuesday, May 5
  • 2:00 pm cancelled
  • 7:30 pm cancelled
Tuesday May 12
  • 2:00 pm
Tuesday, May 19
  • 2:00 pm
  • 7:30 pm cancelled
The County Budget Isn't Just Numbers
The County Budget can be overwhelming making it easy to miss the details. This year the Board added almost $4 million in local funding to provide additional resources for some of our most vulnerable during the pandemic. Below is a snapshot of areas where these funds will be providing vital assistance.
  • Homeless services - $500,000
  • Child and adult protective services - $300,000
  • Social services to process benefit eligibility applications - $225,000
  • New food warehouse and community food bank partners - $120,000
  • Public health nurse salaries supplement - $350,000
  • Project Lifesaver in the Sheriff’s Department - $177,000
  • Assessment program to identify and provide services to high risk domestic violence victims - $100,000
Conversations With The Chair
Our second episode is with Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm. A former State Senator, Congresswoman Wexton is now a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Click this link to join live at 7:00 pm.
A Special Day
A Global Generosity Movement
As a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, GivingTuesday is launching a global day of unity on Tuesday, May 5.

It’s a simple idea. Whether you come together with your family, your community, your company or your organization, find a way to give back and then share your idea.
 #GivingTuesdayNow
To learn about #GivingTuesdayNow and ideas on how to participate visit their website using the link below.
Two Local Ways You Can Participate
Donate to the Prince William Area Disaster Fund featured in Issue 9.
Donate to @ Sew4Humanity or #SewWoodbridge who are making masks for healthcare providers.
COVID-19 News
Updates From Our State Capitol
Governor Northam issued several news releases last week. High-level details on three of them are below. To learn more and stay up to date on future news release use the link below to the Governor's website.
Great Things Coming Our Way
Thanks to FEMA, Virginia is receiving three Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System™ (CCDS). These are in addition t o the on e already in DC, which is also servicing Maryland and Virginia.

The three new CCDS:
  • Can collectively sterilize up to 240,000 units of PPE a day for reuse
  • Will be up and running later this week
  • Are at no cost to the state for the first six months
Elective Medical Procedures Announcement
The ban on elective medical procedures was lifted at midnight on Thursday, April 30. You can now have elective surgeries, dental checkups and even take your pet to the veterinarian for non-emergencies. The Northam Administration is working closely with these providers to ensure all measures are taken to protect the health of their employees and patients.
Student Loan Announcement
Relief options have been secured for the more than 200,000 Virginians with privately-held loans not covered by the federal CARES Act.

If you think you might qualify:
  • Use the link below to learn the details
  • You must immediately contact your student loan servicer
A Nationwide Event
Hear Ye Class of 2020
Until graduation plans are determined locally,
there is a nationwide event scheduled for
 Saturday, May 16th at 8:00 pm to celebrate your milestone with the multimedia. The commercial-free event is entitled, Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 .

The large A-list guest artists, athletes, musicians, commencement speakers, influencers, and cultural icons will show their support with performances and messages featuring students, teachers, and their families from coast to coast.
How To Take Part
The one-hour primetime special airs on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and will be streaming on multiple online platforms.
2020 Census Update
There's Still Time!
The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in   federal funding   flow into communities.

We ended April with a response rate of 63%. We are getting closer to our 2010 response rate of 72%, but we need to do better !
The Wheeler Report will update you with our response rates the first of each month until the Census closes (currently in October).
Encourage everyone you speak with and
in your social media posts to complete the Census.
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 470,000 residents.