Roanoke Leaders Continue Talks on Local Sales Tax for School Construction

Roanoke City Council and the school board agreed to keep talking about a possible 1 percent local sales tax dedicated to school construction after a joint meeting, Cardinal News reported in its Roanoke Valley notes.

The General Assembly authorized localities to seek voter approval for the tax solely for school construction and renovation. Deputy City Attorney David Collin said council must adopt a resolution asking courts to order a referendum.

Mayor Joe Cobb said the tax could bring an estimated $26 million to $28 million a year. Vice Mayor Terry McGuire urged moving quickly toward a special election, calling school construction a shared priority. School board chair Franny Apel preferred continued committee discussion, and board member Donna Littlepage called waiting judicious because voters would be asked to pay more.

• Email City Council of Roanoke:
  Joseph Cobb: joseph.cobb@roanokeva.gov,
  Terry McGuire: terry.mcguire@roanokeva.gov,
  Nicolas Hagen: nick.hagen@roanokeva.gov,
  Phazhon Nash: phazhon.nash@roanokeva.gov,
  Vivian Sanchez-Jones: vivian.sanchez-jones@roanokeva.gov,
  Peter Volosin: peter.volosin@roanokeva.gov,
  Evelyn Powers: evelyn.w.powers@roanokeva.gov

• Email City Council of Roanoke:
  Joseph Cobb: joseph.cobb@roanokeva.gov,
  Terry McGuire: terry.mcguire@roanokeva.gov,
  Nicolas Hagen: nick.hagen@roanokeva.gov,
  Phazhon Nash: phazhon.nash@roanokeva.gov,
  Vivian Sanchez-Jones: vivian.sanchez-jones@roanokeva.gov,
  Peter Volosin: peter.volosin@roanokeva.gov,
  Evelyn Powers: evelyn.w.powers@roanokeva.gov