Albemarle supervisors vote to seek court order for November referendum on 1% sales tax for school capital

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 on July 15 to adopt a resolution asking the circuit court to order a November referendum on a dedicated 1% local sales and use tax to fund school construction and major renovation.

County Attorney Andy Herrick explained the statutory steps and the proposed ballot language. Deputy Chief Financial Officer Andy Bowman told the board staff’s initial estimate — accounting for state exemptions for food and personal hygiene products — gives a conservative revenue floor of roughly $20 million annually, with potential growth over time. If voters approve the tax, state collection could begin as early as April 1, 2027, and the resolution proposes a sunset date of June 30, 2046 (within the 20‑year statutory limit).

The board members debated distributional effects. Supervisor Mike Pruitt cautioned the board that sales taxes are regressive and said he planned to vote against the tax himself at the ballot box, but he supported letting voters decide. Supervisor Lupisto Kirtley and others said the tourist-driven daytime economy would help share the burden and that the revenue is needed to address school capital shortfalls.

The board’s vote authorizes staff to petition the circuit court to place the question on the November ballot; the board will later draft the implementing ordinance if voters approve. County staff will prepare neutral voter information explaining exemptions, the proposed sunset and how proceeds would be restricted to school capital projects.