Radford council votes to place 1% school-capital sales-tax on November ballot; mayor votes no

The Radford City Council voted to adopt a resolution asking voters to decide this November whether to add a 1% local sales tax dedicated to school capital projects. The measure, enabled statewide, would raise the local sales tax by one percentage point if approved by Radford voters and would require a ballot referendum.

Supporters on council described the tax as a tool to address long‑term capital needs for Radford City Public Schools and said the decision ultimately belongs to voters. "This does give the people a voice," a council member said during deliberations.

Mayor David Horton voted against placing the referendum on the ballot and urged caution because of a crowded November ballot and uncertainty about the city's overall fiscal picture. "I think it is more prudent to wait," Horton said, citing concerns about layering additional taxes after recent real‑estate tax increases and the short window to prepare a community campaign and capital plan.

Council members who supported the resolution said it would let voters decide whether to raise sales tax to fund school construction and major renovations and that any local funding obligation would follow voter approval. The council approved the resolution on a roll call vote; the motion carried despite the mayor’s opposing vote.

Next steps: the referendum will be included on the November ballot after the city finalizes ballot language and administrative steps with the director of elections if required.