Manassas Park, Virginia Development News
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Manassas Park Governing Body meeting, July 21, 2026
Published: Jul 21, 2026
Treasurer Reports on Financial Health, Collections, and New Revenue Streams
Treasurer Don Shoemaker provided an update on the city's finances for the first quarter of FY27, covering staff experience, debt write-offs, water and sewer collections, enforcement actions, and bank updates. The treasurer's office has 60 years of combined staff experience. Debt write-offs for business license, business tangible, and personal property taxes were detailed for recent years. For water and sewer, the office is exploring options to reduce fees associated with electronic payments, such as adopting a 'vinity' utility module offering free e-checks, to encourage more automatic payments and reduce manual check processing. Shut-offs for non-payment are conducted typically on the third Wednesday, with customers usually being two months delinquent. Meter tampering fees and homeowner responsibility for tenant balances were also discussed. Financial data was presented on water and sewer revenue generation (base fees, usage), trash collection revenue, and the breakdown of water/sewer accounts (residential vs. commercial, dumpster vs. curb-side). Collections data since January 1st showed significant activity across real estate, personal property, business license, business tangible, meals tax, and public service corporations. Real estate collections are near 100% for multiple years, while personal property collections are trending upwards. Enforcement actions include more aggressive use of DMV holds for delinquent taxes and referral of severely delinquent real estate properties for tax sale. Treasure summons for delinquent taxpayers will be implemented. The city is also receiving additional state revenue ('free money') through the deputy III position and interest income from restructured bank accounts and certificates of deposit. The treasurer highlighted the positive impact of restructuring bank accounts, generating significant interest income, and suggested the governing body decide on the allocation of school-earned interest.
Conditional Use Permit Approved for Max Custom Exhaust
The governing body considered a conditional use permit (CUP) for Max Custom Exhaust, a business specializing in exhaust system repair, modification, and replacement. The business is located at 9115 Digital Drive, occupying suites 2 and 15. The site is zoned I1 (light industrial), and a CUP is required for such uses. The applicant sought the CUP to ensure compliance with zoning requirements. Staff recommended approval with several conditions, including operating hours (Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM, weekends by appointment 10 AM-2 PM), proper waste storage in ABS containers, intact catalytic converters for recyclers, compliance with the noise ordinance, and no overnight parking exceeding 48 hours. Despite the site being within the city center redevelopment district, which generally does not support light industrial use, staff recommended approval due to the property's future use as city office space and its current temporary status. The planning commission had previously recommended approval. Concerns were raised regarding noise levels and adherence to the city's noise ordinance, with discussions comparing decibel levels to rock concerts and industrial machinery. Staff confirmed that the business operates indoors, which helps dampen sound, and that no noise complaints had been received in four years. The permit was approved with conditions.
NVTA Presents Bus Rapid Transit Action Plan, Highlights Manassas Park Routes
Monica Bachmann, CEO of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), presented the authority's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Action Plan. The plan, adopted in July of the previous year, outlines a blueprint for developing 28 BRT routes across Northern Virginia. NVTA invests in regionally significant, multimodal projects to reduce congestion, with 70% of revenues going to capital projects and 30% distributed to member localities. Manassas Park has received $10 million in direct investments and $7 million in local distribution from NVTA for various transportation projects. The BRT Action Plan aims to provide quick, efficient, and reliable transit. Currently, NVTA is investing in five BRT routes, with two directly involving Manassas Park: Virginia 28 South (Manassas VRE station to Dulles Airport) and the Manassas Connector (Manassas Park VRE station to Northern Virginia Community College via Sutley Road). The city is asked to integrate these routes into its planning documents (comp plans, mobility plans). Funding for BRT operations and maintenance is a key challenge, with NVTA seeking federal and state support. Implementing all 28 routes is projected by 2045, potentially diverting 27,000 daily car trips and avoiding 23 tons of CO2 daily. NVTA is collaborating with other jurisdictions (Maryland, DC) to ensure a seamless system. Next steps involve integrating BRT into city planning and securing funding for operations.
City Council Chooses New Auditor Amid Concerns Over Audit Delays
The governing body received a presentation regarding the procurement process for annual audit services for FY26 through FY28, with options for renewals. Six proposals were received and deemed responsive. The evaluation committee, composed of three city finance department employees, scored proposals based on firm qualifications, engagement team, relevant experience, audit approach, and work plan. Pricing was collected but not factored into the technical scoring. The two highest-scoring firms were interviewed. Staff recommended negotiating a new contract with the current auditor, RFC, which scored the highest. However, council members expressed concerns about the ongoing delay of the FY25 audit, attributing it partly to the implementation of the new 'Afinity' tax collection system, which has integration issues with the legacy 'Keystone' financial system. Given the audit delays and system integration challenges, some council members suggested moving forward with the second-highest-ranked vendor. The governing body reached a consensus to proceed with competitive negotiation with the second-ranked vendor. The need for a formal contract with performance provisions, rather than just engagement letters, was also emphasized. The FY25 audit completion is targeted for August 31st.
Home Daycare Approved at 118 Cabel Drive
The governing body approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for a home daycare at 118 Cabel Drive, allowing operation for up to 12 children. The property is zoned R1 (residential) with a single-family future land use designation. A family day home is allowed up to five children without legislative approval; six to 12 children require a CUP due to potential impacts on neighboring properties. The applicant, already state-licensed, operates from the residence, including an addition completed in 2025. Development conditions include operating hours (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday), staggered drop-off/pick-up times with a maximum of two vehicles at once, up to two staff vehicles parked in the driveway, and a parking policy prohibiting client parking in neighboring driveways. Outdoor play is limited to the rear yard, and toys must be stored indoors. The use is subject to the noise ordinance, and no signage is allowed. The planning commission modified conditions, tying caregiver numbers to state codes, prohibiting client parking in the street, and recommending the applicant consider completing the rear fence. The applicant is installing a fence in the side and rear yard. Concerns were raised about traffic safety, noise, and protection of children from speeding vehicles on Cabel Drive. Mitigation measures discussed include reactive speed signs and increased police patrols. Public comment included concerns about traffic safety and pedestrian safety, requesting signs, increased patrols, and a marked crosswalk. The permit was approved with revised conditions.
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The Manassas Park News archive
Manassas Park Economic Development Authority meeting, July 1st, 2026
06/23/26 Agenda Packet - video
Manassas Park Governing Body meeting, June 23rd, 2026
Manassas Park Governing Body meeting, June 23rd, 2026
School Board Meeting - 06/22/2026
Manassas Park Governing Body meeting, June 16th, 2026 1
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