Board adopts resolution seeking 1% local sales tax on November ballot for school projects

The Middlesex County Board of Supervisors voted on July 7 to adopt a resolution authorizing staff to petition the circuit court for an order to place a 1% local sales-tax referendum on the November ballot, with proceeds restricted to public-school construction or major renovation.

Staff presented draft ballot language and statutory parameters. The proposed ballot question read: "Should Middlesex County add a 1% general retail sales tax on purchases to provide revenue solely for the construction or major renovation of Middlesex County public schools in Middlesex County?" Staff advised that groceries and personal hygiene items would be carved out and noted that the enabling statute limits the tax term to no more than 20 years from the date of the county's resolution; the draft used an illustrative expiration date of 07/01/2046.

Staff and board members discussed projected revenue, which staff estimated at roughly $1,000,000 annually, and emphasized the need to educate voters because the referendum will likely appear with multiple ballot questions. The board moved and adopted the resolution (R2026-005); the next steps are filing the petition with the circuit court and, if the judge grants the order, placing the referendum on the November 3 ballot and later adopting any implementing ordinance if the referendum passes.

Board members asked staff to verify statutory exemptions (prescription drugs were noted as likely exempt) and to prepare outreach and explanatory material for the public ahead of the election.