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Wythe County supervisors ask court to put 1% local sales tax for school construction on November ballot
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted a resolution asking the Circuit Court to order a Nov. 3, 2026 referendum on a one-percent local sales tax to fund roughly $72 million in school construction and renovation projects; county consultants estimated the tax could raise $5–6 million annually.
The Wythe County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on July 14 to ask the Circuit Court to place a one-percent local option sales tax on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot, with revenues dedicated to school construction and related bond or loan financing costs.
Roland Kooch of Davenport Public Finance told the Board the tax could be "one of the most transformative new revenue sources" available to localities, and preliminary projections indicate it could generate about $5 million to $6 million a year for Wythe County. County staff and the school division have identified roughly $72 million in school-related capital needs, including an estimated $40 million for a Spiller Elementary School project, $25 million in renovations for Fort Chiswell High School, $5 million in athletic field improvements, and $2 million in roof and chiller repairs.
"This option pulls in more revenues from outside of the actual jurisdiction," Kooch said, noting interstate traffic through the county increases sales-tax receipts. County Administrator Stephen D. Bear and Superintendent Dr. Russell Street said the Wythe County School Board supports placing the question before voters. Dr. Street told the Board the referendum would be "extremely impactful for the school system, teachers, staff and kids."
Chair James D. "Jamie" Smith said placing the measure before voters is the "truest form of government" and emphasized the need to educate the public before the election. The resolution specifies that, if approved and later imposed by ordinance, the tax would expire no later than June 30, 2046, the date by which the county expects repayment of bonds or loans used for the projects.
Supervisor Stacy A. Terry moved to adopt the resolution; Vice Chair J.W. "Dicky" Morgan seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor (AYES: Bradley D. Martin; Jesse R. Burnett; Sarah P. Crockett; J.W. "Dicky" Morgan; James D. "Jamie" Smith; Stacy A. Terry. ABSENT: Rolland R. Cook). The Board directed the County Administrator, County Attorney, and other staff to take the legal and administrative steps necessary to request the Circuit Court issue the referendum order.
Next steps include court review of the referendum language and voter outreach ahead of the November election. The Board noted that statutory exemptions under state law (for example groceries) affect projected revenue and that approving the referendum would not itself impose the tax; an implementing ordinance would follow only if voters approve the measure.
