KING AND QUEEN — King and Queen County has joined a growing list of counties and cities that are holding a referendum on Nov. 3 on an increase in sales tax to fund school construction.
The Board of Supervisors voted earlier this year to hold a referendum on a local general retail sales tax increase not to exceed 1% to raise revenue solely for construction or major renovation of public schools.
King and Queen County estimates the increase in sales tax would raise about $450,000 extra in capital funds for education. The county is building a new elementary school and academic campus adjoining the existing King and Queen Central High School campus. It is slated to open for students in the fall of 2027, according to the county’s website.
The General Assembly passed a new law earlier this year that allows localities to levy a sales tax increase to help repair or replace the state’s aging stock of public school buildings. The move must be supported by a referendum in each community and approved by local courts to go on the ballot.
Voters will decide on the sales tax increase to fund school construction in a number of cities and counties in the Tidewater area, including in the counties of New Kent, York, Mathews, Middlesex and Isle of Wight and the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News.
David Macaulay, Davidmacaulayva@gmail.com