The 1% Sales Tax referendum that is on the 2026 ballot will play a significant role in how we fund school construction for the future. The average age of our school buildings is over 50 years. We have been successful in maintaining our schools but over time each remodeling effort never gets us back to where we need to be to ensure our children are getting the best education. Eventually, we are quickly reaching a point were remodeling an obsolete old school just isn’t worth the tax dollars. Also, due to the high cost of materials and manpower, it is getting more difficult to keep up with the demands for school improvements.
Real estate and personal property taxes are our primary revenue sources for the County. The County’s General Fund for the current FY27 budget is $215 million. Of that, $74 million or approximately 37% goes to fund our school system. Over the next 6 fiscal years (2027-2032), the County’s total capital investment is expected to be $283 million. Of that amount, 41% or $116 million will go towards funding school capital projects. The County Staff estimate that we will need to obtain approximately $100 million in loans. This is a significant hunk of change to pay back, and all the money will come from us, the County taxpayer. This is where the 1% Sales Tax can really help us out. If approved, the 1% Sales Tax is estimated to generate $12 million per year. This is equivalent to 9¢ on the real estate tax rate. The really nice thing about the sales tax is that, according to the State and independently verified by the County Staff, between 30% to 40% of the tax will come from visitors to the County. If I can get that kind of money out of visitors, I’m all in! If passed, the money will be retained and managed by the County. Per state code, this sales tax expires in 20 years and can only be used to fund new school construction, remodeling and loan cost. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
One final note: The sales tax collected will not be used to offset our normal contribution to the schools. Why? First, the Supervisors have gone to great lengths over the years to help our schools become the best in all of Hampton Roads and currently number 2 in the State. Second, the amount of construction over the coming decades will most likely demand an ever-increasing contribution to the schools. And third, the Supervisors will not support such a reduction.
Remember! Visitors to York County will, through the 1% Sales Tax help us pay for our school building construction, remodeling, and loan payments. This is a smart way forward and I fully support the 1% Sales Tax Referendum.
I hope to see you out at the polls. |
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