Charlottesville and Albemarle voters approve school sales tax referendums

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Voters in Charlottesville and Albemarle County approved a 1% sales tax increase to help pay for public school construction and renovations, while several neighboring communities rejected similar proposals.

In Albemarle County, approximately 53.6% of voters supported the referendum, compared with 46.4% who opposed it. The margin was wider in Charlottesville, where approximately 71.8% voted in favor.

The results give both communities the option to establish a dedicated funding source for school construction over the next two decades, though the increases still require approval from their respective governing bodies.

“What we’re excited about as Albemarle County Public Schools is there is an opportunity to have dedicated funds to build new schools,” said Jason Grant, the division’s chief communications officer.

Albemarle County estimates the additional tax could generate at least $20 million annually. The school division has identified more than $500 million in construction and modernization needs, including projects aimed at addressing overcrowding, aging facilities and accessibility.

Among the largest proposed projects is a new comprehensive high school, estimated at $231.6 million. The division has also identified a new northern elementary school, estimated at $68.4 million, and a preschool center, estimated at $53.7 million.

Other proposed projects include renovations at Albemarle High School, Western Albemarle High School and Stony Point Elementary School.

In Charlottesville, the referendum’s approval could provide approximately $12 million in annual revenue for school facilities.

Charlottesville City Schools has identified several potential uses for the funding, including classroom renovations at Charlottesville High School, a new cafeteria and kitchen at Jackson-Via Elementary School and improvements to Greenbrier Elementary School.

Superintendent Royal Gurley said the potential funding would benefit students for years to come.

“It definitely gives our students just so many opportunities, not just the students of today, but the students that will enter Charlottesville City School years from now,” Gurley said.

While voters in Charlottesville and Albemarle County supported the increase, several neighboring counties rejected similar proposals.

In Greene County, approximately 53.6% of voters opposed the increase. Fluvanna County voters rejected it by a similar margin, while Nelson County narrowly voted against the measure, with approximately 51.1% opposed.

Voters in Orange, Madison and Augusta counties also rejected similar proposals.

For communities where the referendum passed, the sales tax will not increase immediately.

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and Charlottesville City Council must each adopt an ordinance before the additional tax can be collected.

If implemented, the general sales tax in both communities would rise from 5.3% to 6.3%, adding one dollar to a taxable $100 purchase.

The additional revenue must be used for eligible school construction, renovations and related financing costs, rather than daily operating expenses or teacher salaries.

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