Manassas Park Business Leader Doesn't Agree With City's Tax Incentive Plan

The president of a Manassas Park business expressed lack of faith in the city's tax incentive program designed to attract business to the city, and urged city council to reject the city's 

James Sejd, President of American Stripping Company on Vassau Court, addressed the governing body during citizen's time on Tuesday and said he is skeptical of the city's plan to lower the . Under the plan, businesses' tax liability would be lowered until 2023.

Sedj said believes the plan will not attract new business and the 2013 budget doesn’t improve the current tax rate which is a deterrent for business growth in the city.  He urged the body to not accept the 2013 budget and to implement a 5 percent cut.

In other news, Manassas Park City Assessor Richard Sanderson presented his 2012 assessment update to council Tuesday along with a timeline for the completion of this year’s assessments. 

Sanderson said he felt confident that the projected 3.5 percent increase in assessed value was realistic.  He addressed several issues with the real estate market,  highlighting that foreclosures declined in the fourth quarter; continuing a downward trend in foreclosures for Manassas Park. 

He pointed out that the number of bank-owned properties in Manassas Park had fallen to 23, down from 500 in 2007.  In 2011, homes were selling for around 100 percent of their assessed values.  Assessment notices for 2012 will be mailed to property owners in mid-April, and other assessment details will be posted on the city's website.

Mayor Frank Jones introduced a proclamation to designate April as Donate Life Month.  The governing body unanimously agreed to the support the proclamation, which encourages residents to become organ donors.  Connie Sprow from Donate Life Virginia was in attendance to accept the proclamation.  For more information about the program, visit the website at  donatelifevirginia.org.

Jones also reported that there will be no lapses in service, as the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) negotiations with the driver’s union were successful.  PRTC, which operates OmniLink and OmniRide bus services in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park, will also be able to buy fuel futures to help control fuel costs. 

During the meeting, Jones introduced a letter he would sign to join other members of the Northern Virginia Mayors and Chairs in urging politicians in Richmond to stop the budget impasse.  

Area school divisions and local governments were left in budget limbo about next year’s state funding Wednesday as the Virginia Senate rejected the House of Delegates version of the state budget.  The governing board agreed unanimously to support the letter and encourage the General Assembly to pass the budget.

David Dixon, who has been hired as Manassas Park's new fire chief, was scheduled to introduce himself to council Tuesday, but that has been postponed.