Growth in Prince William County not slowing

/ Potomac News
Published: July 31, 2008

Prince William County’s 3,600 employees provide a broad range of services to the county’s estimated 357,503 residents — a figure that represents a 27 percent growth in population between 2000 and 2006, according to recent Census Bureau statistics.

TOP OFFICIALS
County supervisors are elected from seven magisterial districts and the chairman is elected at-large.

Corey A. Stewart, R-at large, was elected chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in a general election in November 2007.

The county chairman’s salary for fiscal 2008 is $45,256 and the other seven members are paid $39,737.

Prince William’s top administrative officer, County Executive Craig Gerhart, is responsible for carrying out the policies set by the eight-member board.

The county has operated under the county executive form of government since 1972.

The county also has three elected constitutional officers: Circuit Court Clerk Michele B. McQuigg, Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert and Sheriff Glendell Hill.

Ross Horton was appointed county attorney in 2006.

COUNTY SERVICES
County departments, like those in most localities, range from branches designed to shape development in Prince William to those that provide health or social services.

The main switchboard number for county government services is 703-792-6000. Residents can call PWC INFO at 703-792-4636 for information 24 hours a day. Residents can also obtain county information by tapping into Prince William’s newly renovated Web site at http://www.pwcgov.org.

The site has information on every county agency. This is where residents can find county maps, library catalogs, a clubs and organizations list, tax payment options, an anonymous tax evader reporting service and a list of current capital projects funded by tax dollars.

Among the governmental offices and their services are:

• The Community Services Board oversees mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse and prevention programs in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park. Hotline for the Manassas area is 703-792-7800; in Woodbridge, call 703-792-4900.

• The Fire and Rescue Department includes paid employees and volunteers who provide the protection and ambulance services. For non-emergencies and information, call 703-792-6800.

• The Prince William Health District provides a variety of health services, including immunizations, family planning and pediatric care for low-income residents. It also provides information on environmental health. Call 703-792-6300 in Manassas, 703-792-7300 in Woodbridge or 703-792-4703 in Sudley.

• The Office of Housing and Community Development provides resources and administrative programs and improves housing quality and affordability for families with low and moderate incomes. Call 703-792-7530.

• The Mapping Office, under the Office of Information Technology in the Geographic Information Systems Division, assigns addresses, provides mapping data for county residents and agencies, and analyzes demographic information. Phone 703-792-6840.

• The Human Resources Office recruits monthly employees and works on better staff relations. Call 703-792-6640.

• The Planning Office handles residential applications to renovate homes, add or expand decks and build pools. The planning office also prepares and maintains the county’s land-use plan, reviews applications for new development, overseas plans for buildings and enforces the county’s zoning ordinances. This office can direct residents and businesses seeking commercial and residential building permits. Call 703-792-6830 or visit http://www.pwcgov.org/planning.

• Taxpayer Services issues business licenses, dog tags, and vehicle decals. It’s also where residents can pay parking tickets, real estate taxes and personal property taxes. Call 703-792-6710 or visit pwcgov.org/tax. Taxes can be paid online.

• The Police Department enforces county laws. The non-emergency phone number is 703-792-6500.

• Public Works runs the county landfill, oversees transportation projects, protects water quality, maintains the county’s buildings and grounds, constructs major drainage projects and storm sewers, does inspections on new construction, conducts building inspections, and issues building permits. Call 703-792-6820.

• Social Services administers Aid to Dependent Children, oversees welfare reform, child-protective services, foster care, adoption and day-care services. It also provides alternative housing for the homeless and offers natural disaster programs, medical, refugee and housing programs.

It also offers adult protection services, home improvement grants and youth employment services. The county operates two social services offices, one near Manassas, 703-792-7500, and one in Woodbridge, 703-792-4300.

• The Sheriff’s Department serves legal notices, civil warrants and summons, handles courtroom security and performs some traffic enforcement. Call 703-792-6070.

• The Service Authority, created in 1983, replaced the county’s varied sewer districts. It provides public water and sewer to county residents. To reach the Prince William County Service Authority, call 703-335-7900 or visit pwcsa.com.

• Virginia American Water is a private company not affiliated with Prince William County that provides water and sewer services to residents in Dale City. To contact Virginia American, call 703-491-2136.

• The Prince William County Park Authority maintains county parks and provides access to a variety of recreational programs for residents. For updated information on events, sports and parks, call the Prince William County Park Authority at 730-792-7060 or visit its Web site, pwcparks.org. Links and contacts for all board members are listed at this site.