Temporary Meals Tax Proposal Deferred Again By Vienna Council

VIENNA, VA — The temporary meals tax proposal isn't moving forward, at least in 2024.

Vienna Town Council voted to defer the 1 percent meals tax hike proposal at its Monday meeting. The proposal calls for adding the 1 percent onto the current 3 percent rate for 10 years to pay for a proposed indoor pool and fitness center. The town council first deferred the proposal at its Nov. 18 meeting after hearing from 26 public speakers, both for and against the meals tax hike.

The town council will consider the meals tax proposal again on Jan. 27. Members opted to allow more time to learn about the long-term costs of the pool and fitness center concept and discuss it at a Jan. 21 work session.

The town's current meals tax proposal is 3 percent and funds capital projects such as roads, facility improvements and park projects. The town used a temporary 1 percent hike before from 2002 to 2008 to fund the Town Green. The meals tax applies to ready-to-eat meals but not groceries. Fairfax County is considering its own meals tax, but the Town of Vienna said it wouldn't apply within the town.

The proposed indoor pool and fitness center facility would be located at the annex property at 301 Center Street S, which the town bought in fall 2020 from Faith Baptist Church. The pool and fitness center facility was identified as the top resident preference from outreach by the town's parks and recreation. Town government believes meals tax revenue would fund the project sooner — by 2030 —rather than 2040 under the normal capital project funding process.