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Board asks court to place 1% sales-tax referendum on November ballot to fund school construction
Summary
The board adopted a resolution requesting the circuit court to order a Nov. 3, 2026 referendum on a 1% local sales-tax dedicated to school construction and major renovation, with an expiration tied to bond repayment (07/09/2046). The resolution directs county officers to take actions necessary to seek court approval.
County staff read a resolution initiating a referendum asking voters whether Smyth County may levy an additional 1% local retail sales tax to be used solely for capital projects for construction or major renovation of schools. "The Board of Supervisors hereby initiates pursuant to Virginia code...a referendum on whether Smyth County may levy an additional local retail sales tax at a rate of 1% with revenues to be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools in Smyth County," the staff member said.
Staff explained that state law (cited in the resolution) allows localities to seek the optional tax if approved by referendum and that the resolution asks the circuit court to place the question on the Nov. 3, 2026 general-election ballot; the board adopted the resolution after discussion and a roll-call vote. The resolution as read specifies an expiration tied to bond repayment (07/09/2046) and directs the county administrator, county attorney and other officials to take required steps, including filing petitions and proposed orders with the court.
