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Wythe County Board asks court to put 1% sales-tax question on November ballot to fund $72M in school projects
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution requesting a November 3, 2026 referendum asking voters to approve a one-percent local sales tax dedicated to school construction and renovation; county finance advisors estimate $5–6 million annually and the resolution would expire no later than June 30, 2046.
The Wythe County Board of Supervisors voted July 14 to ask the Circuit Court to place a one-percent local sales tax on the November general-election ballot, with proceeds restricted to capital projects for school construction and renovation.
Roland Kooch of Davenport Public Finance told the Board the new revenue source could be transformative and estimated the tax would generate approximately $5–6 million annually for Wythe County, driven in part by pass-through traffic on Interstate 81. County staff said the school system has identified roughly $72 million in projects that could be funded in whole or in part by the tax: an estimated $40 million Spiller Elementary School project, a $25 million Fort Chiswell High School renovation, $5 million for athletic-field improvements, and $2 million for roof and chiller repairs.
Wythe County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Russell Street said the school board supports placing the question before voters and described the proposal as “extremely impactful for the school system, teachers, staff and kids.” The county administrator recommended adoption of the initiating resolution, which the Board approved unanimously. The resolution requests that the Circuit Court order the referendum be held on November 3, 2026, and specifies that any tax imposed would expire no later than June 30, 2046, consistent with the statute.
If voters approve the measure and the Board later adopts enabling ordinances, revenues must be used only for capital projects or bond/loan financing costs tied to school construction or major renovation, as provided under Va. Code § 58.1-605.1.
The Board directed county officials and the County Attorney to prepare and file the necessary petitions and proposed orders with the Circuit Court to place the question on the ballot.
