Board rejects repeal of 3% "seller's" meals-tax discount after public objections

The King George County Board of Supervisors voted on Aug. 3 to reject a proposed ordinance amendment that would have removed a 3% seller’s discount from the county meals tax.

Regina Puckett, the county's commissioner of revenue, told the board the seller’s discount is intended to "offset the administrative and collection cost" for small restaurants and vendors and recommended keeping the provision while placing a $200 cap on the discount for those who qualify. Puckett provided revenue figures showing that at the current 4% rate meals-tax revenue for 2025 was $1,810,874.34 and that a higher rate would produce larger gross receipts.

Several local business owners urged the board not to eliminate the discount. Perry Bowen, identifying himself as part of Ownership Proof of Creekside Farm Brewery, said restaurant owners felt the change was rushed and that small, local establishments rely on narrow margins. Jeff Stonehill, representing the King George Restaurant Owners Group, warned that raising the tax quickly to 6% was “a lot” for small operators and suggested a smaller increase to 5% if any change were needed.

During board discussion, several supervisors emphasized the discount’s benefit to mom-and-pop operations. A motion to reject the ordinance amendment to repeal the seller’s discount was moved and seconded; the board took a roll-call vote and the chair announced the motion carries.

The outcome preserves the existing seller's discount and signals the board's short-term preference for protecting small businesses’ margins while leaving open any future, more incremental changes after additional review.