Patch Survey: Does Vienna Have Appetite For Temporary Meals Tax Hike?

VIENNA, VA — While the Vienna Town Council mulls over a temporary meals tax proposal, Patch is surveying readers to gauge public sentiment.

The 1 percent meals tax proposal would fund an indoor pool and fitness center at the annex property at 301 Center Street South. The Town Council received a final recommendation on the site calling for an indoor recreational pool with lap lanes and a water playground to be built, as well as fitness center.

A town survey found those options are top community desires for the annex.

As the town's 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 — 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.

SEE ALSO:

• Temporary Meals Tax Hike Proposed To Advance Pool, Fitness Center In Vienna
• Feedback On Temporary Meals Tax Proposal Sought By Vienna Town Council
• Vienna-Based Credit Union Offers Interest-Free Financing For Pool, Fitness Center Design

The Town of Vienna already has a 3 percent meals tax charged at restaurants. The proposal would add a 1 percent meals tax that would sunset after 10 years. Town government says Fairfax County's own meals tax proposal wouldn't apply to Town of Vienna businesses.

A final decision is expected on Dec. 9 following a public hearing at the Town Council’s Nov. 18 meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall.

While we encourage readers to share their thoughts in the Patch survey, residents will have to contact the town to let Town Council know their comments. 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. A town hall was held on Oct. 22

Share your thoughts in our anonymous, non-scientific survey below by 12 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28. We will share results after the survey closes. If you cannot see the survey below, click here.