Board agrees to ask voters about 1% sales tax for school construction in November

Amelia County supervisors voted to ask staff and counsel to prepare a resolution and court filing that would put a local 1% sales-and-use tax for school capital on the November ballot.

Dr. Alford explained the new state law allowing all localities to request a referendum for up to an additional 1% local sales-and-use tax restricted to school construction and major renovation. She told the board the local governing body must pass a resolution and request a court order in time for the referendum to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot; county staff cited an August deadline for the filing.

Staff estimated an additional 1% dedicated to school capital could generate between $1 million and $1.5 million per year depending on local sales activity. Dr. Alford said the revenue could fund construction of a career and technical education addition at Amelia County High School, renovations of aging school facilities, or related bond financing costs, but could not be used for recurring operating expenses such as salaries or routine supplies.

The board voted to proceed with the resolution and court request that would put the question to voters; if the referendum passes locally and the board later authorizes implementation, the tax would be administered by the Virginia Tax Commissioner and would carry an expiration tied to financing for eligible projects (and no longer than 20 years under the statute).

What happens next: staff will draft the resolution and coordinate with the county attorney and circuit court to meet the ballot‑inclusion deadline; voters would decide the measure in November.