On Nov. 3, Radford voters will be asked to consider a local referendum concerning an additional 1% sales and use tax. Because this decision belongs to our community, it is important that voters understand what is being proposed, how the revenue could be used and what the measure would mean for Radford.
If approved by a majority of voters, the referendum would authorize the City of Radford to levy an additional sales tax of 1%. All revenue generated by this tax would be dedicated exclusively to capital projects involving the construction, major renovation and modernization of our schools.
The revenue could not be used for employee salaries or benefits, classroom supplies, instructional programs, utilities or other day-to-day operating expenses. Its use would be restricted to school capital projects and any related financing costs. Individual projects, contracts and expenditures would remain subject to the procurement and approval processes.
Radford City Schools has worked diligently to maintain its buildings and use available funding responsibly. However, several of our facilities have significant needs that cannot be fully addressed through the division’s annual operating budget or existing capital reserves.
Among the needs identified at Radford High School and John Dalton Intermediate School are structural wall cracking, active roof leaks, accessibility concerns, aging fire-alarm infrastructure, damaged flooring and walls that were boarded after older air-conditioning units were removed. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing also has roofing, flooring, restroom and classroom-space needs.
More specifically, the CTE wing at the high school has no restrooms. Students in those classes must travel back to the main building to use the restroom. The gymnasium that serves both the high school and middle school has structural cracking, outdated windows and older, inoperable bleachers.
These buildings serve more than our students and staff. They host athletic competitions, performances, meetings and community events throughout the year. Maintaining safe, accessible and functional schools is therefore an issue that affects the entire Radford community.
The tax would apply to purchases already taxed in Virginia, including clothing, electronics, furniture, restaurant meals and certain lodging purchases. It would add one cent to a $1 purchase, 10 cents to a $10 purchase and $1 to a taxable $100 purchase.
Importantly, the additional tax would not apply to groceries and food purchased for human consumption. It also would not apply to essential personal-hygiene products as defined by Virginia law, including diapers, incontinence products and menstrual products. Visitors, commuters and other nonresidents would pay the tax when making taxable purchases in Radford, allowing a portion of the cost of school improvements to be supported by people outside the city who shop, dine or visit our city.
Current estimates indicate the tax could generate approximately $1.6 million annually, although actual collections would depend on taxable sales within the city. If the referendum is not approved, the additional tax would not take effect, and these facility needs would have to be addressed through other funding sources.
The School Board cannot impose this tax. Radford City Council approved placing the question on the ballot, but the final decision now rests with the voters.
I encourage every Radford voter to learn about the proposal, review the information available and participate in the election. Regardless of individual views on the referendum, our community benefits when citizens make informed decisions and take part in the democratic process.
Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Radford City Public Schools website at www.rcps.org.
