Press "Enter" to skip to content

Group forms in support of sales tax referendum

Posted On October 7, 2020
A group representing more than 300 Gloucester County citizens encourages everyone to “Vote Yes for Gloucester” in the sales tax referendum in the upcoming general election on Nov. 3. The group came together recently at Gloucester High School, which could receive the majority of funding from the referendum for a much-needed new HVAC. Standing in support are Ellie (11), Violet (9), Deacon (7), and Amanda Hamlin Adams (along with dog Margot); Beth and Katherine Gibson (12); Terri Byrne; Bobby Ray; Nancy Keenan; Kamdyn (3) and Krystal Alexander; and Hunter and Michelle Stone, from left.

A bipartisan group of more than 300 Gloucester citizens have come together to support the sales tax referendum for schools on the Nov. 3 ballot.

This year’s ballot includes the opportunity to vote for up to a 1 percent sales tax increase in Gloucester County. The 1 percent tax would exclude groceries, prescriptions, cars and fuel, and other essentials, and would expire in 20 years or less. If approved, Gloucester could move from a 5.3 to 6.3 percent sales tax.

All funds from the 1 percent increase would be used to pay for the debt associated with $48 million in improvements to Gloucester school facilities. This includes improvements to Gloucester High School including a new HVAC, a Page Middle School athletic field, and HVAC and playground replacements at other schools where needed.

Michelle Stone, chair of the Vote Yes For Gloucester group, said that “these capital improvements are no longer ‘wants,’ but ‘needs,’ resulting from years of lack of funding. These projects would help Gloucester schools meet building standards and remain functional.”

“This small sales tax increase provides a great alternative to raising real estate taxes by 7 or 8 cents per dollar to raise the same amount needed for our schools,” group member Beth Gibson said. “And the best part is that at least 20 percent of sales taxes collected would be paid by visitors to our county.”

Denise Hutchins of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs said that “having quality schools helps Gloucester retain and grow our local businesses. Today’s school parents are our local doctors, nurses, technicians, business owners, workers, consumers and more. Today’s students are our workforce of tomorrow.”

Retired teacher Jane Worthington added, “even if you are someone like me who doesn’t have children or grandchildren in Gloucester schools, it’s important to remember that having strong public schools helps everyone, resulting in higher incomes, better property values, and a healthier local economy. That’s why investing wisely in our public schools is a time-honored American value.”

So far, the group has raised more than $2,600 in contributions and in-kind donations. Vote Yes For Gloucester will host a virtual town hall at 7 o’clock tonight to provide more information about the 1 percent sales tax referendum. Panelists will include Gloucester County Administrator Brent Fedors, Gloucester School Superintendent Dr. Walter Clemons and Gloucester School Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chuck Wagner. The public may submit questions in advance to michellestone.va@gmail.com. To attend, all may visit Facebook.com/Vote-Yes-for-Gloucester for the Zoom link.

Those who want to help support the referendum, request a yard sign, or volunteer at the polls may visit VoteYesforGloucester.org, or Facebook.com/Vote-Yes-for-Gloucester. More information about the referendum may also be found on Gloucester County’s website, gloucesterva.info, or by contacting Beth Gibson at bethpgibson@yahoo.com.

More from SchoolsMore posts in Schools »