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Judge orders 1% sales tax referendum to be place on Smyth voters' ballot
SPorter
Voters will get to decide whether to levy a 1% sales tax to be used only for school construction or renovation projects.
This week, Smyth County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Campbell signed the order requested by the county’s Board of Supervisors.
The order calls for the referendum to be held as part of the Nov. 3 general election.
The order directed election officials to prepare the ballot to include the question: “Shall Smyth County be authorized to levy an additional local sales tax at a rate of one percent, with the revenues from such tax to be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools in Smyth County, and with such tax to expire on July 9, 2046?”.
The referendum was made possible by legislation adopted by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger that expanded Virginia counties’ and cities’ authority on this matter. The legislation has long been a priority of local governments as a tool to address school needs.
School Superintendent, Dr. Brad Haga, said immediate projects now waiting on funds are Marion Senior High School’s auxiliary gym, gymnasium bathrooms, and hall of fame and a new main gym, cafeteria, weight room, and locker rooms at Chilhowie High School. For those projects, he said architectural renderings already exist.
Additionally, he said the school board has discussed renovating the Northwood High School band room.
The school system also has a facility study underway now that is expected to detail additional needs.
For Smyth County, the 1% sales tax is expected to generate about $3 million annually.
Through this measure, both county and school officials noted that people who pull off Interstate 81 and spend money in Smyth County would contribute to the work at local schools.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Chris Dutton told Post 18 members about the purpose he finds in
helping care for his fellow veterans.
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Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Chris Dutton told Post 18 members about the purpose he finds in
helping care for his fellow veterans.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Post 18 Commander Mark Chaney received multiple awards at the
recent American Legion state convention, including being named the
2026 Post Commander of the Year for Virginia.
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Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Post 18 Commander Mark Chaney received multiple awards at the
recent American Legion state convention, including being named the
2026 Post Commander of the Year for Virginia.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Commander Mark Chaney, right, swears in Bill Veselik as
the Sons of the American Legion squadron commander for Post
18.
Page A3
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Commander Mark Chaney, right, swears in Bill Veselik as
the Sons of the American Legion squadron commander for Post
18.
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