Prince Edward school board unanimously endorses pursuing 1% local sales tax for school capital projects

The Prince Edward County School Board voted unanimously at its February meeting to approve a resolution signaling support for pursuing a 1% local sales tax dedicated to school capital projects.

Board members said the resolution is an initial step rather than a tax increase: it asks the Board of Supervisors to place the question on a future ballot so voters can decide. Staff noted that had a 1% levy been in place last year it would have generated about $3 million for school capital needs in the county.

Supporters argued the sales tax spreads the burden broadly to visitors and shoppers, rather than concentrating additional costs on property owners. One board member said, “I would rather have this sales tax than an increase in real estate or personal property tax.” Several members urged the district and community to plan a public education campaign if the supervisors agree to advance the measure to voters.

Opponents and some members said they are reluctant to add any new tax but acknowledged the county’s capital needs for buildings, maintenance and vehicle and equipment replacement. The board clarified that approving the resolution does not itself add a tax: any local sales-tax levy requires county action to put it on the ballot and then a citizen vote in November.

The board also discussed practical questions including whether the levy would have a fixed term; staff said no term had been included in the draft language they had reviewed and that statutory language under consideration would allow the tax to be indefinite unless the ballot language specified a limit. The resolution passed unanimously.

Next steps: the resolution will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors; any ballot question would require the supervisors’ action and then voter approval in November.