Feedback On Temporary Meals Tax Proposal Sought By Vienna Town Council

VIENNA, VA — The Vienna Town Council wants to know if there's an appetite for a temporary meals tax hike to fund a desired public facility.

Town Council had received a final recommendation on a future use for the annex property, which the town bought in fall 2020 from Faith Baptist Church at 301 Center Street S. Contractor Kimmel-Bogrette presented concepts for an indoor recreational pool with lap lanes and a water playground as well as fitness center, which a survey found are top community desires for the annex.

The contractor estimated it could cost $21 million to $26.5 million to construct the pool and fitness center facility. Town Council discussed the option of a temporary meals tax increase to help fund the project sooner, allowing an opening by 2030. Through the normal capital improvement process without extra meals tax revenue, the town government believes the facility could open no earlier than 2040.

The temporary 1 percent meals tax increase would be on top of the 3 percent already charged at restaurants. The proposed 1 percent addition would sunset after 10 years.

"The Town Council implemented a temporary meals tax increase once before from 2002 to 2008," said Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert in a statement. "During this time, overall restaurant revenues increased, and the extra penny tax on the dollar paid for the Vienna Town Green, which is now the central gathering place for beloved Town events in the heart of our community."

Fairfax County is considering its own meals tax proposal, but the town government says this tax wouldn't apply to Town of Vienna businesses.

Residents can learn about the proposed Vienna meals tax hike and ask questions at a town hall at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center St. S, Vienna, VA. The meeting will be available virtually on the Town of Vienna Community Network (Cox 27 and Verizon 38) and online at www.viennava.gov/TVCN.

A public hearing on the proposed meals tax increase will be held during Town Council’s Nov. 18 meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall. A final decision is expected on Dec. 9.

Residents may provide input at the Nov. 18 public hearing, email the full Town Council at council@viennava.gov or call the Town Clerk’s office at 703-255-6304.