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Residents oppose proposed tax hikes and 6% meals tax at Franklin County hearing
Summary
At the April 14 public hearing, residents voiced opposition to proposed tax rate increases and a draft ordinance setting the county meals tax at 6%, saying restaurants and seniors would be harmed; the Board heard comments but did not act.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on advertised tax levies and a proposed amendment to the county meals‑tax ordinance on April 14. Chair Lorie Smith read the published rates under consideration and the Code of Virginia authorities cited for the levy process.
The proposed levies read into the record included a $0.50 per $100 assessed‑value rate for real estate, public service property and mobile homes; $2.41 per $100 on general personal property; $1.89 per $100 on heavy construction machinery; a machinery-and-tools schedule declining to an effective $0.28 per $100 by year seven; and $1.08 per $100 on merchants' capital.
During public comment on levies, residents urged the Board to avoid increasing taxes and recommended more local outreach on cost‑cutting options. One commenter suggested the Board should hold town halls to find reductions rather than raising rates.
The Board also held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chapter 20, Section 20‑279 of the Franklin County Code to impose a six percent meals tax on food and beverages sold by food establishments, whether consumed on‑ or off‑premises. Dawn King Greer opposed the meals tax at the hearing, saying it would hurt restaurants; Robert Luppa said seniors would be hardest hit and asked the Board to consider a lower rate such as 4%.
No Board members moved or voted on the levies or the meals‑tax amendment at the hearing; Chair Smith closed both hearings after public comment.
Next steps: The Board may consider the levies and ordinance amendment at a future business meeting or adoption session; this public hearing record will inform any subsequent deliberations and possible formal votes.
