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January 2026 CB ConnectorWelcome to our monthly digital magazine! The Colonial Beach Connector is the Town’s official newsletter. |
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| REMINDERTown Offices will be closed: Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2 for New Year’s Monday, January 19 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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Happy New Year, Colonial Beach!
I hope you all enjoyed a joyful holiday season filled with celebration, connection with loved ones, and a little well-deserved rest. As we welcome 2026, there’s a wonderful sense of renewal and possibility in the air, and I’m excited about what this new year holds for our town.
We made meaningful progress over the past year. In 2026, we’ll keep that momentum going by focusing on strengthening our infrastructure, supporting public safety, enhancing our beautiful public spaces, and continuing to improve the services our community relies on each day.
Colonial Beach is a special place, and the heart of it is the people who call it home. Here’s to a bright, productive, and inspiring year ahead. I’m grateful to serve you and look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026.
Warmest New Year wishes,
Natasha Tucker, MBA/JD Town Manager |
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As we begin the New Year, I want to thank the Colonial Beach community for your continued engagement and support. A new year brings renewed energy and an opportunity to strengthen how we serve our residents, businesses, and visitors while continuing to move the Town forward together.
In 2026, the Town will continue updating internal systems, strengthening operations, and improving how we deliver services to residents, businesses, and visitors. Just as importantly, communication will be a strong focus this year. We are committed to improving how we share information, listen to feedback, and keep the community informed about Town projects, services, and decisions. Clear, timely, and transparent communication helps build trust and ensures residents know what to expect from their local government.
Our goal remains to provide exceptional customer service while being responsible stewards of public resources. Behind the scenes, Town staff work every day to ensure essential services are delivered efficiently and professionally, and their dedication is what allows Colonial Beach to continue moving forward.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. We look forward to a year focused on progress, collaboration, and open communication as we work together to serve Colonial Beach. Warm regards,
Kyler Brower, MPA
Assistant Town Manager |
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Friday, January 9 Coffee Walk 8:00 AM Colonial Buzz - 215 Washington Ave. Get together for casual walking with coffee & friends. |
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|  Tuesday, January 13
Community Game Night 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Colonial Beach Community Center 717 Marshall Ave. Enjoy relaxed board game playing with friends. Play available board games or bring your own. Bring your own snacks or snacks to share! Kids, 13 and under, please bring your adult. |
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| Health & Wellness Jamboree Hosted by Colonial Beach Parks & Rec and CB Explorers Friday, January 23 - NOON-4:00 PM (originally scheduled for January 17) Colonial Beach Community Center 717 Marshall Ave. Come find out what health and wellness resources are available in and around Colonial Beach. We’ll have healthcare professionals, fitness instructors, wellness practitioners, organic gardeners, massage therapists, yoginis, and more! We hope you will join us! Door prizes, healthy snacks, and friendly faces will greet you!
ALL VOLS Meet, Greet, & Eat Hosted by Colonial Beach Parks & Rec and The CB Alliance January 31 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Colonial Buzz/CB Brewing 215 Washington Ave. Calling all helpers, do-gooders, community friends, and soon-to-be volunteers! If you’ve volunteered in Colonial Beach, still do, or are thinking about jumping in, come join us for a relaxed, friendly get-together. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, get a look at volunteer opportunities in 2026, and connect with people and organizations making great things happen in our town. Bring friends, discover volunteer opportunities of all kinds, and celebrate the spirit that makes Colonial Beach the Playground of the Potomac!
We’ll see you there! |
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Achieves State Accreditation
The Colonial Beach Police Dep artment has earned Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) accreditation—a mark of excellence recognizing its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability. This rigorous, multi-year process reviews everything from leadership and training to community engagement and operations. The achievement reflects the department’s dedication to continuous improvement and its mission to serve Colonial Beach with distinction.
Click here to read more! |
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| Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Police Department conference room inside the Truist Bank building at 416 Colonial Avenue in Colonial Beach. This month’s meeting is January 22. |
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| From the
💧 Payment Options for Your Utility Bill: Did you know? You can choose to pay your utility bill monthly or quarterly! - Monthly: Pay $128.62 each month - Quarterly: Pay $385.86 every 3 months 📅 Quarterly bills are due: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
If you have questions or need help with payment options, we are here for you. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the Finance Department to arrange payment options 804-224-7183. Make your payments in person or by mail at 315 Douglas Ave., Colonial Beach, VA 22443, OR Pay online at our payment portal. Debit and credit card payments have a 2.95% convenience fee.
Make your payments in person or by mail 315 Douglas Ave., Colonial Beach, VA 22443
For assistance call 804-224-7183.
Sign up for E-BILL by sending your name, property address, and a valid email address to: BILLING@COLONIALBEACHVA.GOV. Be sure to include the word “E-BILL” in the subject line. Please allow at least one billing cycle for processing. If you sign up for E-BILL, no paper bill will be mailed!If you have questions or need assistance CALL: 804-224-7183 |
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| PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS
The Town of Colonial Beach has partnered with Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C. (TACS) to assist in the collection of delinquent Personal Property taxes.
Pursuant to §58.1-3958 of the Code of Virginia, localities may impose fees to cover administrative costs and reasonable attorney’s or collection agency fees. These fees may not exceed 20% of the taxes due and are in addition to all penalties and interest.
Beginning January 1, 2026, all delinquent Personal Property tax accounts will be referred to TACS for collection. Once an account is transferred, a 20% collection fee will be added to the total amount due, as authorized by state law.
To avoid additional fees or collection actions, taxpayers are encouraged to pay any delinquent balances with the Finance Department before accounts are transferred to TACS.
For questions or to make payment arrangements, please contact: Town of Colonial Beach Finance Department 315 Douglas Avenue Colonial Beach, VA 22443 📞 (804) 224-7181 |
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| Holiday Trash Schedule
Refuse for 1/19 (MLK Holiday) will be picked up on 1/20.
Yard Debris Pick-up Schedule
The next yard debris pickup will be the week of March 2. There is no yard debris pickup in January or February.
Reminder: Only bagged or bundled yard debris will be picked up. · Separate yard debris from normal trash · Large paper bags are preferred over plastic · Max: 4 feet long and under 40 lbs. |
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| Public Works News
Chris Ruchty and Julie Parkhurst successfully achieved their 3-Year Re-Qualification for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Locally Administered Project Qualification Program.
Congratulations to Chris & Julie! |
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| Office News
Congratulations to Planning & Community Development staff, Melissa Bell and John Sawdy, on being awarded the title of Certified Zoning Official (CZO) through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials.
The Certified Zoning Official program focuses on the legal aspects of zoning and the technical aspects of zoning and zoning practices. Members must successfully demonstrate qualifications, including passing Technical and Legal exams, to achieve this title. Their achievement reflects the Town’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality services to our residents and business community.
Newly certified Zoning Officials, Melissa Bell and John Sawdy |
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| The Planning and Community Development office is open to the public: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
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| The Colonial Beach Department of Planning & Community Development has the responsibility of guiding and facilitating the Town’s long and short-term development. This includes working with all stakeholders to develop the long-term comprehensive plan by making recommendations to efficiently and effectively guide future development for the benefit of present and future residents of the Town.
If you have questions regarding zoning rules and regulations, contact the Department of Planning & Community Development for more information or review the town’s zoning ordinances HERE. |
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| Human Resources We Are Pleased to Announce The Recipients of Each honoree was nominated by his or her peers and by the administrative leadership team.
Laura Brewer Employee of the Year 
Chris Ruchty Leadership Award 
Public Works Department of the Year 
Planning and Community Development Most Improved Department of the Year 
James Hopkins Innovation Award 
Bill Taylor Community Service Award 
Andrea Mullen Wizard of Oz Award 
Yvonne Smith Positivity Award 
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Everyone goes through tough times, from daily stress to major traumatic events. Being able to cope with or recover from setbacks like these — big or small — is called “resilience.” Resilience won’t make your problems go away, but it can greatly improve your overall well-being. Fortunately, it’s a skill you can grow and practice. |
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Human Resources
Our mission is to foster a work environment defined by fairness, open communication, personal accountability, trust, and mutual respect. We aim to deliver effective human resource management to attract and retain a qualified workforce that meets the needs of Colonial Beach while ensuring a positive experience for all employees.
If you would like to join our team, you can find open positions by clicking this link: Colonial Beach Employment |
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Colonial Beach Downtown Connectivity Plan
The Colonial Beach Downtown Connectivity Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Downtown Colonial Beach into a safer, more walkable, and economically vibrant destination. The plan was developed through extensive public engagement, as well as being informed by previous planning efforts. This comprehensive approach identifies strategies across four key areas: Connectivity Placemaking & Wayfinding Economic Development Tourism Implementation
Connectivity strategies include improving sidewalks and ADA accessibility, expanding bike and golf cart infrastructure, calming traffic, and enhancing trolley service. Placemaking & Wayfinding strategies focus on streetscape upgrades, public art, and standardized wayfinding signage to create a cohesive identity. Economic Development and Tourism Strategies aim to support locally owned businesses, incentivize redevelopment, and promote year-round tourism through branding and events.
The plan also identifies funding mechanisms and implementation steps to maximize grant competitiveness and community involvement. Together, these actions position Colonial Beach to strengthen multimodal connections, attract visitors, and foster a resilient, people-focused economy while preserving its unique waterfront character. You can read the entire Downtown Connectivity Plan document on the Town of Colonial Beach Web Site.
For more information, contact Charlotte Cole, Director of Economic Development and Tourism at ccole@colonialbeachva.gov. |
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| Mission Statement
The Office of the Town Clerk serves the Town Council and the citizens of Colonial Beach by providing quality records control and documentation functions. As the lead communication team member for the Town, providing and disseminating accurate and timely information in a courteous fashion is the number one goal. |
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| The Town Council Work Session scheduled for Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 PM has been cancelled.
Town Council Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 21, 2025, 6:00 PM
Meetings are held at the Town Center 22 Washington Avenue, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 |
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All town meetings, unless specified, are held at the Town Center, 22 Washington Ave., Colonial Beach, Virginia 22443
-The Town Council Work Session scheduled for Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 PM has been cancelled. See below for the regular meeting. ----Colonial Beach Town Meetings are open to all. Your participation in Town Government is welcome. Town Council meetings can be viewed after the meeting on YouTube or in real time on the Town’s Website: YouTube Video Channel Link |
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| Click here for past CB Connector newsletters. Click here to forward this newsletter to a friend and/or to subscribe. |
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| | Downtown Colonial Beach put our community on the map by helping the Town’s downtown area to become a Mainstreet Affiliate. Click the yellow “Mainstreet” link above to read more! |
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| U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public service video shot in Colonial Beach: |
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| | | 10 Virginia Coastal Towns Where You Get the Most Bang for Your Buck When Buying a Home can be read by clicking the yellow “10 Virginia Coastal Towns” link above. |
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