MARTINSVILLE SCHOOL SALES TAX APPROVED BY JUST 10 VOTES
Martinsville voters have narrowly approved a one-percent sales tax increase to fund improvements to the city's public schools, with the referendum passing by just ten votes.
The final round of ballot counting on Tuesday, November 10, determined the outcome of one of the closest local tax votes in Virginia.
According to Cardinal News, 39 of the 40 provisional ballots cast on Election Day were counted. Of those, 23 supported the proposal, while 16 opposed it.
The additional sales tax will be dedicated specifically to school construction and renovation projects.
Revenue projections indicate that the measure could generate more than two million dollars annually for Martinsville City Schools.
Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley Jr. has identified several priorities, including roof replacements, heating and cooling systems, flooring and paving improvements.
Some of the city's school buildings are several decades old, creating ongoing maintenance needs.
Martinsville was among 15 Virginia localities that approved similar school funding referendums this election cycle. Voters in 32 other localities rejected the proposal.
The additional tax is authorized through 2046. The city must still determine how and when to implement it.
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