Manassas Park planning commission unanimously recommends FY2026–2030 CIP to governing body
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Summary
After a public hearing April 9, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City of Manassas Park’s proposed FY2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program to the governing body, citing a roughly $113–$114 million five‑year plan and project prioritization choices to balance the FY2026 budget.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. — The Manassas Park Planning Commission voted unanimously April 9 to recommend the City’s proposed fiscal year 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program to the governing body after a public hearing and presentation by City Manager Cole.
Cole told the commission the five‑year CIP totals "a 113 almost $114,000,000," and that about 62% of the plan is devoted to transportation projects, many funded with non‑city-tax dollars. He said staff removed two high‑cost projects — a $35 million high‑school renovation and a $15 million additional fire station — from the immediate plan to avoid cutting numerous smaller, urgent projects while working to balance the FY2026 budget.
"We had to make some changes from the presentation that we made in early February," Cole said, and thanked department directors and the school district for assembling the plan. After the presentation the commission received no public comments.
Commissioners questioned staff about several topics raised in the CIP presentation. On fleet procurement, Cole said the city’s current enterprise lease arrangement carries lifetime costs that, for low‑mileage vehicles, may make outright purchase more economical. He cited a five‑year cost example for a standard patrol SUV under the current lease arrangement of $104,505 and said staff will craft a policy on replacement timing to maximize trade‑in value.
On water and sewer infrastructure, Calvin O'Dell, director of community development, described how the oldest sections of the city were built with cast‑iron pipe laid on bedrock and are more susceptible to breakage during temperature shifts. O'Dell said staff will prioritize replacing high break‑rate areas rather than broad, immediate replacement, noting later‑installed ductile iron pipe was expected by industry guidance to have a roughly 50‑year design life.
Chair Lester Finkel stated on the record that he found the FY2026–2030 CIP "consistent with the City Of Manassas Parks comprehensive plan" and moved to recommend approval to the governing body; the motion carried unanimously.
What’s next: The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the governing body for consideration; staff noted some figures may continue to change as funding opportunities and final project scoping are refined.
