Manassas City Council Approves Firefighter Staffing and School Funding

Fifteen new full-time firefighter positions and a $1.32 million school bus acquisition are on the way in Manassas, following the October 26 regular session of the City Council where local leaders addressed public safety, airport development, and legislative priorities.

With every council member in attendance, the meeting addressed several key items. From commercial flight timelines to federal grants and contested zonings, the chamber worked through a heavy agenda that carried financial and regulatory consequences for the city.

Commercial Aviation Timeline and Terminal Hurdle

Among the updates came from the Washington Manassas Regional Airport, where site clearing is underway. Mark Ricks, executive director of AvPorts, told the council that additional construction hinges on the completion of project financing. Commercial passenger airline service is currently anticipated to begin in November 2027.

During the session, the council convened a public hearing centered on a ground lease and franchise agreement for terminal building development meant to facilitate passenger airline service at Washington Manassas Regional Airport. With no public speakers stepping forward, city staff noted that negotiations remain ongoing. Council members voted by majority to continue the public hearing to its November 9 meeting.

Federal Grants and Public Safety Investments

The council unanimously approved accepting a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. This supports 15 additional full-time firefighter positions, accompanied by a fiscal 2027 budget amendment reflecting federal funding and the City’s financial obligations.

Addressing infrastructure and health matters, municipal officials secured and allocated $33,340.88 supplied by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to fund a harm reduction specialist role. Furthermore, they endorsed a resolution backing a purchase and operating agreement for a battery energy storage system (BESS) arranged via the Virginia Municipal Electric Association.

School Funding and Zoning Stymie

In school funding, the council unanimously approved a consent agenda featuring a $1.32 million amendment to the fiscal 2027 budget to fund the acquisition of school buses for Manassas City Public Schools. The same consent agenda included adoption of the City’s 2027 legislative priorities.

An effort to modify the zoning for 9007 Center St. from heavy industrial (I-2) to city center commercial (B-3) failed to advance. A motion to defer the decision to 2028 failed to draw a majority, and a subsequent motion to approve the rezoning met the same fate. The proposed ordinance is expected to return for consideration at a future Council meeting.

Community Briefings and Leadership Transitions

The chamber also took time for local recognition. Members honored recent graduates of the Community Police Academy and issued formal proclamations for Veterans Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Police Chief Doug Keen provided an update on a firearm discharge incident that occurred over the weekend, addressing concerns raised via social media and emails.

City council meeting vector illustration with effective business team employee brainstorming for important negotiation in fla

The evening carried a note for Councilwoman Vásquez Luna. Colleagues acknowledged that the October 26 session could mark her final meeting, depending on the results of her November election for the Virginia House of Delegates. Looking ahead to the winter calendar, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe proposed holding the City’s organizational meeting and swearing-in ceremony for December 14, alongside a recommendation to cancel the regularly scheduled December 28 session.