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Vienna council approves permanent meals tax increase to 4% after debate
Summary
The Vienna Town Council voted 6–1 on Sept. 8 to raise the town’s meals tax from 3% to 4% effective Jan. 1, 2026, after discussion about notice, what the tax covers and whether a sunset clause was needed.
The Vienna Town Council voted 6–1 on Sept. 8 to amend the town code to raise the local meals tax from 3% to 4%, with the change slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Mayor Linda J. Colbert presided as council members debated whether the increase required a second public hearing and whether the tax should have a sunset provision. Town Attorney explained that state law requires a public hearing when a locality raises a tax, and that removing a previously discussed sunset provision would not itself require another public hearing. Council member Springsteen moved to approve the proposed ordinance and direct the clerk to advertise final action at the Sept. 29 meeting; the motion passed with Council member Allen the lone dissenter.
Council members pressed staff and the town attorney for details about what sales qualify as "meals." The town attorney said the meals tax applies to "prepared food or drink offered for immediate consumption," which can include prepared items sold at grocery stores. Unprepared groceries remain tax-exempt.
Supporters said the revenue would help town priorities identified in staff documents; opponents and some residents urged caution, noting the tax affects seniors and fixed-income households when they purchase prepared foods.
The council’s action directs the clerk to advertise the ordinance for adoption on Sept. 29; if adopted then, the 4% rate would be effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The council did not adopt a sunset provision; the town attorney said removing a sunset does not trigger a separate statutory hearing requirement.
