Pay Raises for PWCS, Digital Gateway Tax Bill Controversy, VA Median Home Hits $392K

Issue #25-020

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In this Go Prince William County, Va Issue…

Looks like yesterday’s snow was a non-event after all. Things are quiet on the local activities front as government offices are closed today for MLK Day and eyes are on the inauguration.

— Bryan

Quick Bites

• New Two-Year Agreement Boosts Salaries for Over 11,000 PWCS Employees

  Prince William County Public Schools has reached a two-year wage agreement with the Prince William Education Association, securing pay increases for over 11,000 educators and staff. Employees will see a 7% average salary increase in the first year and a 6.3% increase in the second, with $160 million allocated over two years. The plan also includes targeted stipends, wage scale adjustments, and other pay enhancements, aiming to improve retention and remain competitive in the region. The increases will begin in the 2025-2026 school year. (Patch)

• Controversial Tax Relief Bill for Digital Gateway Heads to Senate Review

  A bill introduced by State Senator Jeremy McPike seeks to delay higher property tax assessments for Prince William Digital Gateway landowners until legal challenges to the rezoning are resolved. The rezoning increased the land's value for data center development, leading to higher taxes despite the landowners’ inability to sell due to pending lawsuits. Critics argue the bill unfairly benefits private landowners and sets a risky precedent. The proposal, SB 1305, is set for review by a Senate committee on January 20. (Prince William Times)

• Virginia’s Median Home Price Reaches $392K, Driven by 10-Year Growth

  Over the past decade, Virginia’s median home price has risen by $160,000, reflecting a 68.6% increase. This surge aligns with national trends, where home prices have grown significantly faster than wages and inflation. Western and Southern states saw the largest gains, while affordability challenges persist due to high mortgage rates and inflation. Virginia's current median home price stands at $392,682, according to a Construction Coverage analysis of housing data. (Inside NoVa)

Upcoming Local Events 

• Jan 21 - Town Council Meeting, Dumfries 7 PM

Weather

Monday

24 🌡️ 8 | 🌥️ | 2% |💨 NW 18 mph

Tuesday

23 🌡️ 8 | ☁️ | 2% |💨 WNW 4 mph

** Know before you go! **

Nightlife, Libations & Live Music

01/20/25 - Monday

• Gainesville | 🧑‍🎤 | Potbelly Sandwich Shop | Open Mic - Music | 5:30-8 PM

• Gainesville | 🀟 | Craftworx Taproom | JazzWorx | 7 PM-9 PM

• Manassas | ⁉️ |Table Top Tavern | Mental Monday Trivia | 7:30 PM

01/21/25 - Tuesday

• Gainesville | ⁉️ | Craftworx Taproom | Trivia Night | 7-9 PM

• Haymarket | 🀟 | Trouvaille Brewing Co | Music Bingo | 7 PM

• Manassas | 🃏 | Table Top Tavern | Advanced Strategy Game Night | 6 PM

• Manassas | 🎤 | 2 Silos Brewing | Karaoke | 6:30-9:30 PM

• Manassas | 🀟 | Heritage Brewing | Bingo | 6:30-8:30 PM

• Manassas | 🀟 | Preston’s Pub | Bar Bingo | 6:30-8:30 PM

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