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Resident’s sinkhole complaint prompts Stafford board to review stormwater assistance program
Summary
An 85-year-old Stafford resident told the board her yard is collapsing and her basement is threatened by erosion; supervisors directed staff to review a county stormwater assistance program (a reimbursement program) and consider adjustments and a work session to help older residents.
Florie Williams, a resident of the Garrisonville District, told the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 that repeated erosion and collapsing ground near her home has progressed since 2018 and is now within about 3 feet of her basement window.
"The erosion has gotten so bad that it's no more than about 3 feet from my basement window," Williams said, describing sinkholes, a dislodged electrical transformer and ongoing danger to people and property.
Williams asked the board to act to prevent injury and further structural damage. Her statement prompted a multi-member response: supervisors and staff described the county’s existing stormwater assistance program, discussed whether the program’s reimbursement structure makes it difficult for older residents to get help, and asked staff to return with options.
Dr. Young (Supervisor) said the county’s stormwater assistance program requirements can prevent older or low-wealth residents from accessing funds. County staff (Paul Ashby) clarified on the record that the current program is structured as a reimbursement — applicants must pay expenses first and then seek reimbursement — which can be a barrier when homeowners lack upfront funds.
Multiple supervisors asked for a staff work session and for an email that details how many grants the county has awarded to date, the program’s remaining balance and what administrative changes are possible. Vice Chairwoman Vinouch asked staff to provide information about residents who contributed to service-district funds but have not granted access for repairs, as a separate but related service-district problem on Lynnhaven Lane.
Supervisors proposed short-term and longer-term steps: (1) staff to compile program usage data and identify administrative fixes that could make funds more accessible (for example, review of reimbursement vs. upfront assistance); (2) consideration of VDOT or state funding opportunities; and (3) possible work session discussion to refine eligibility criteria and options for assistance.
Ending: Staff was directed to provide an information packet by email and to return to the board for a work session or a staff report with options. No formal policy change was adopted on Feb. 4.
