Mayor Addresses Meals Tax, Indoor Pool Proposal Ahead Of Hearing

VIENNA, VA — Vienna's mayor addressed the indoor pool and fitness center plan coupled with a meals tax proposal ahead of a November public hearing.

In a video briefing for town residents, Mayor Linda Colbert said an indoor pool and fitness facility was the top resident choice for the annex property at 301 Center Street South. When the recommended use was presented, Vienna Town Council discussed the possibility of a 1 percent temporary meals tax hike to fund the project sooner than the normal capital budget process. Town officials believe meals tax revenue could help open it by 2030 rather than 2040.

The town government has posted a web page detailing the proposed 24,500-square-foot facility. The pool component of the facility would provide a pool for recreation and leisure, with four lap lanes, a zero-entry point for accessibility, and a standalone zone with a splash zone. The fitness center, making up about 9,000 square feet, would include areas for weights and machines, cardio workouts, and group exercise classes. The facility would have a lobby, rental rooms, office space for staff, restrooms, locker rooms and family change rooms.

"Keep in mind, the design is not final," said Colbert. "The design that you have seen is an idea of what it could be. We want it to be for all ages. We want it to be for all abilities. We want kids to be able to play. We want to be able to take swim lessons. We want adults to be able to do water aerobics. We want people to be able to swim lap lanes. We want the fitness center to be a good fitness center."

As for the meals tax proposal, a temporary hike would add 1 percent on to the existing 3 percent meals tax in the Town of Vienna. Colbert said it equates to $1 on a $100 bill. The town has used a temporary meals tax from 2002 to 2008 to fund the Town Green.

The mayor noted that the existing 3 percent meals tax is lower than other localities around the region.

"Raising it to 4 percent will match some of the other communities, but there are still communities that are higher," said Colbert.

Feedback is being collected on the meals tax proposal by emailing council@viennava.gov, taking an online survey, calling 703-255-6304, or sending a letter to 127 Center Street South, Vienna, VA 22180. Residents can also provide feedback at Vienna Town Council's public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Vienna Town Hall. Town Council could make a final decision about the meals tax proposal on Dec. 9.

"We understand there's a lot of things that go along with this," said Colbert. "We want to hear from you, and we are listening, and we are being very thoughtful about this, but it is an exciting thing to think about."

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