Re-Elect
Mayor Schick
Colonial Beach, VA
Re-elect Mayor Robin Schick
Debate & Fact Checker
The candidate's forum was held Thursday, September 26th at the Colonial Beach Elementary School Gym. The Mayoral debate started at 6pm, the Town Council forum followed at 6:30pm. The forum was hosted by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, BAMM (Beach, Arts, Music, and Mentoring), and the National Honor Society.
Click here to listen to the debate yourself!
Recorded and broadcast by Colonial Beach Public Radio Station WWER.
The debate was a success, and I appreciate the students and chamber for providing the opportunity for residents to connect with local candidates.
While I always aim to highlight the positive achievements of our town, it's essential to address misleading and false information when possible. During the forum, I used my 30 second rebuttals to discuss my record and the town challenges, but I didn't have time to counter inaccuracies being spread by my opponent. I hope this information helps residents become better informed and answers any lingering questions you may have from social media or other sources.
As always, feel free to contact me at rschick@colonialbeachva.gov for current town issues, or reach out to my campaign email at robin4cb@gmail.com for campaign-related inquiries.
Debate Claim
"Opponent didn't do such a great job by turning over the sewer plant operations to a contractor. The fact is, council was told they were being brought in to cover a retiring plant manager. Then suddenly, council was asked to sign a three year contract costing each of us $300,000 annually."
Fact Checking Finds this Misleading
The contractor, Inboden, was hired to ensure the plant met licensing requirements and improved operations. While costs increased, this was necessary to address long-standing issues. The average bill for residents rose by about $8 per month.
Contracting sewer plant operations to Inboden was crucial to avoid losing licensure. Their management plan included 24/7 staffing, which quickly improved operations during a Department of Enviromental Quality (DEQ) assessment, drastically reducing fines and potential penalties. While this increased annual costs by approximately $327,000, it significantly enhanced plant performance and accountability after decades of neglect and funding shortfalls led to operational issues.
With the prior operator’s resignation, finding a licensed replacement was urgent, and Inboden provided the necessary expertise. Regardless of contracting, costs for wages, repairs, and supplies were set to rise, requiring immediate attention to prevent potential millions in costs and DEQ takeover.
The combined monthly increase amounted to $8.17 per resident. Costs have been carefully managed to keep bills as low as possible by raising new connection tap fees, economic growth, cost sharing from the county, grant funding, and effective fiscal management of reserves.
Sources: Meeting minutes, DEQ consent order, Town Code Sewer Fees, Monthly published reports by Inboden
Debate Claim
"We had a million dollars left over in the budget last year. Where did that money go?"
Fact Checking Finds this Misleading
The surplus added to the town's general fund, supporting grants, investments, and preparing for unexpected expenses. The fund balance has exceeded $4 million.
The statement was made to imply financial mismanagement which is untrue. The remaining funds become a part of our general fund balance, allowing us to have the fund available to administer reimbursable grants (such as VDOT roads and sidewalks), capitalize on investment returns (our new investment portfolio created real gains of over $300K this past year), and as security in the case of unforeseen economic challenges. The fund balance, for the first time ever, is over $4 Million and while towns do not receive traditional credit ratings, our current financial status exceeds the AAA threshold.
Sources: 2023 Audit Report, Davenport Public Finance Report March 15, 2023
Debate Claim
Regarding the blue motel "She's already hired a firm to lay it out well, that was without council approval. She's drawn up. She's hired this consultant to draw plans for this $20 million building that's not going to be voted on until after the election, because she has certain town council members that she doesn't want to have to vote on it."
Fact Checking Finds this False
The town council engaged a firm for planning purposes. No formal actions regarding this long-standing goal from the comprehensive plan have been taken without council approval.
I have not taken any actions regarding a municipal center, as I lack the authority to do so. To address a long-standing town goal, the Town Council hired an architectural firm to create a conceptual spatial plan for consolidating government functions. Glave and Associates provided a space needs analysis and one option for the Douglas Avenue site. The blue motel at 800 Colonial Ave. was purchased solely for blight removal, with approved actions limited to its acquisition, demolition, and cleanup.
A 2008 master plan by LandStudios proposed a Municipal Center at 700 Colonial Avenue, but contamination concerns exist on part of the property. Currently, there are plans and a lease for a new rescue squad to relocate emergency services from a floodplain at that site. I have proposed forming a citizen committee to explore options for a combined police station and municipal center, as outlined in the Town's comprehensive plan. A placeholder of $10 million is included in the CIP, and this goal is being evaluated for affordability, options, potential public-private partnerships, and grants. It is premature to allocate funds, and no actions have occurred without Town Council approval. A vote on this issue is unlikely until a concrete plan is developed.
Sources: Town Charter, definition of Council-Manager form of government by ICMA, public presentations by Glave and Associates, Annual town strategic planning meetings, Town comprehensive plan, LandStudios Municipal Center Master Plan 2008 & PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT 2008
Debate Claim
"We had taxes raised every year for three years."
Fact Checking Finds this False
The real estate tax rate has changed once, decreasing in 2022, although homeowners did experience higher bills due to rising property values, the overall increase was about 9% while inflation costs alone over the last four years is 16%.
Real estate tax rate decreased in 2022. Overall impact varied, landowners (vacant property) saw a slight decrease in their bills due to the rate reduction, while homeowners experienced a tax bill increase but benefiting from rising property values, by up to 48% in equity for homeowners in the last 3 years. Overall, this adjustment resulted in only a 9% tax increase, while school costs have risen by 35% and public safety costs have doubled.
Since 2018, the real estate tax rate had been $0.80 per $100 assessed value, in 2022 this were reduced by $0.02. This decrease was offset by an increase in the assessed value of built real estate. The school fund's local required match rose by $500,000 that year, setting the current rate at $0.78, 9% above equalization for the real estate value increases.
Personal property tax rates remained unchanged.
Additionally, the Meals, Lodging, and Cottage Tax increased in July 2024 by $0.01 to address inflation and share service costs with tourists, along with increased economic development measures. Many BPOL (business licenses) tax rates were lowered in 2021 due to streamlined procedures, with the exception of cottage industry and real estate agents whose BPOL rate increased, while most other business licenses saw reductions or no change at all.
Sources: Tax bills from 2021-2023, Fredericksburg Area Real Estate Regional Monthly Reports, Annual Rate, the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI
Debate Claim
"My opponent, has allowed Dodson to come in and roll over the town and continually gives concessions to that, not to mention a $300,000 discount on water and sewer tap fees on the boardwalk. Dodson paid under $16,000 for nine condos, two businesses and hookups. That was a 200,000 discount with no council approval."
Fact Checking Finds this False
Dodson paid standard connection fees totaling over $163,000, consistent with other builders. Their fees were higher due to specific construction requirements.
Dodson paid the same tap fees as other builders, totaling $163,193 so far for 24 connections. The town ordinance specified that connection fees are charged per building, consistent with other condo developments. Notably, Dodson incurred nearly $20,000 more than the standard rate due to construction requirements.
In March of 2023 Town Council increased sewer and water tap fees, implemented after Dodson's conditional use permit (CUP) applications. The agreement with Dodson, approved by the Town Council, stated that the same basic rates that applied to them when they originally applied for the permits continue to apply, the same grace period exception we gave to all builders who applied for permits prior to July 1st 2023, as building contracts for those projects had already been signed. The Town Council approved a formal MOA to allow Dodson to stay at the grandfathered water connection rate while permits are processed, knowing the CUP had already been approved and the permits take time. The MOA actually requires them to provide two meters to separate the commercial and residential for phase 3B, which had not been in the prior ordinance, creating higher fees and stricter requirements for them than prior developments. In addition to the water connection fees, their sewer connection rates are the current standard rate without grandfathering.
Sources: FOIA Request, Dodson Contract Documents, Dodson's actual sewer bills and paid invoices
Debate Claim
"She voted to spend nearly 200,000 on the American rescue plan act, funds of 10 million on the unnecessary trash cans."
Fact Checking Finds this Misleading
A portion of the ARPA funds was allocated for new trash cans to improve health, safety and efficiency. These funds also supported other community projects, the vast majority going towards water and sewer infrastructure.
$198,479 of the total $3.7 Million American Rescue Act Funds received was allocated to implement the Toter program trashcans, addressing both financial stability for public trash service and the health and safety of trash operators. The ARPA funds were also spent on water & sewer line replacements, utility engineering, a stormwater resiliency plan, and capital projects related to health and safety. During COVID, workers handled waste in broken cans and unsecured bags, lifting heavy containers that did not fit the hydraulic lift of the trash truck. This program has reduced liability and increased workforce safety, with a minimal service charge aimed at creating a sustainable fund for replacing trucks, paying a livable wage to our employees, and repaying the toter expenses within five years.
In contrast, a decade ago, when my opponent was on council, the financing of trash trucks exceeded their lifespan, including a $20,000 bobcat financed over 10 years, this financing resulted in over $80,000 in interest costs to taxpayers. This decision forced the town to continuing paying for this equipment well past their useful life.
Sources: ARPA funds allocation, meeting minutes, Bank of America Financing and Lease Agreement from 2014
Debate Claim
"She has repeatedly stated that the grant writer brought in over $800,000 but if you remove the Eleanor Park easement grant, he only brought in about $350,000 barely equaling his salary and benefits."
Fact Checking Finds this False
The town received over $800,000 in grants since hiring the grant writer. His salary with benefits included was $90,000, resulting in a net gain for the town.
In 2021, the town hired its first grant writer, which improved grant application success and established criteria for pursuing high-return grants. This role facilitated the Eleanor Park Conservation Easement, securing $387,416. From 2021 to 2023, the town received over $800,000 in grants and $5.7 million in ARPA funds for sewer and water infrastructure, all requiring grant compliance. After the grant writer resigned in 2024, the position was eliminated to balance the budget, with responsibilities transferred to the assistant Town Manager and a small budget allocated for contracting grant writing.
The grant writer's salary and benefits totaled $90,000 in 2023, yielding a 3 year return on investment of over $530,000. Grants often lead to successive opportunities, as seen with the resiliency grant, where initial funding helps secure further grants for project implementation.
Sources: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Town budget 2021 & 2024, Staff presentation by grant writer
Debate Claim
"Water meters cost the town $584,000 meters are not working before because the communication system is not adequate. Was any research done at all to support spending over half a million dollars on meters that do not work."
Fact Checking Finds this Misleading
Meters were installed due to regulatory requirements. Issues with functionality were identified dating back a decade, and the current council is working on solutions.
Following the sewer public hearings regarding issues at the treatment plant, the Town Council, on behalf of the citizens, requested an investigation into the water meter system. The inquiry revealed that the meters were installed due to a previous consent order requiring water usage metering dating back to 2013, when my opponent was on council, and did not include enough radio transmitters to relay the signal, draining the meter batteries which now need to be replaced. The current council sought this research, and while past councils did not address it, the focus should be on problem-solving rather than assigning blame. This council has maintained transparency on this issue, and the town may need to request DEQ grant funds to address technology malfunctions and improve sensor functionality.
Sources: Public Hearing in May 2024, Staff report at August council meeting, minutes from 2013-2015
Debate Claim
"Our Town employees are nervous for their jobs, very nervous. I've spoken to many of them. Robin hires everybody and fires everybody. The town manager is told what to do by Robin."
Fact Checking Finds this False
The mayor does not have the authority to hire or fire staff, and strives to improve communication and supports employee retention.
This statement is inaccurate. I do not have the authority to hire or fire anyone, and it contradicts my actions. As Mayor I have focused on improving retention, maintaining communication with departments, and engaging with the community through activities like ride-alongs with the police and attending school events, and I encourage this of all elected officials.
Under our Town Charter, my powers are limited; I am one of seven council members and can run the meetings, set the agenda, and appoint department liaisons for council. While I strive to hold staff accountable and provide input, every council member shares this responsibility to support the town manager in making informed decisions. Our council-manager form of government minimizes political influence in daily operations, allowing a professional manager to make decisions based on input from all members. The council as a body only has authority over the Town Manager and public appointments.
Sources: ICMA - Definition of Council-manager form of government, Town Charter, Municode, Town Council Bylaws
Debate Claim
"I don't think we have a lot of transparency now…." "...I'm opposed to the school system just giving out extras to the employees. I would like to see exactly what the state funding requirements are."
Fact Checking Finds this Misleading
Information about school funding is publicly accessible on the Virginia Department of Education website.
This statement clearly was intentional to cast doubt as to the funding requirements and financial management. The truth is this is very accessible and publicly available information on the Virginia Department of Education website: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/data-policy-funding/school-finance/budget-grants-management#:~:text=Required%20Local%20Effort%20and%20Required%20Local%20Match%20-%20Collected%20from
Sources: VDOE Website: Budget and Grants Management > Direct Aid and State Payments, Colonial Beach School Board meeting minutes
Debate Claim
"Our town is mismanaged, financially and ethically"
Fact Checking Finds this False
The town is managed with professional oversight and ethics training. Recent financial audits indicate stability and improvements in operations.
The town is currently managed professionally in terms of operations, finances, and ethics. Both the current and prior town manager have ICMA credentials contingent on ethics regulations. Previously, department heads also handled HR roles, offering limited support to new staff and lacking independent review processes. In 2024, we now have a fully funded HR manager.
I personally also continue annual training through the Virginia Municipal League on the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Act. Our annual strategic planning is facilitated by the Weldon Cooper Center for Local Government, and our financials are rigorously reviewed, with our recent audit showing zero findings.
We have achieved the most stable fund balance in years, reduced debt by refinancing, settled the sewer lawsuit with the county, improved utility operations, and seen our school system mark up ranking from 101st up to 70th in the state. Therefore, this statement is inaccurate.
Sources: Annual Report, Financial Audits, Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Act council, International City/County Management Association (ICMA)