County Officials to Host Meetings on 1% Sales Tax Referendum
TL;DR: Chesterfield County is hosting five informational meetings in September to explain the "1 For Schools" 1% sales tax referendum scheduled for the Nov. 3 ballot.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors and School Board
- What: Joint informational meetings on proposed 1% sales tax for school construction and renovation projects
- When: September 3, 9, 14, 16, and 17, 2026 (all at 6 p.m.); referendum vote Nov. 3, 2026
- Where: Five high schools throughout Chesterfield County
The story
Chesterfield County officials will host five joint informational meetings in September to educate residents about the "1 For Schools" sales tax referendum before voters cast ballots in November.
The meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 3 at Meadowbrook High School (Dale District), September 9 at Midlothian High School (Midlothian District), September 14 at Clover Hill High School (Clover Hill District), September 16 at Thomas Dale High School (Bermuda District), and September 17 at Manchester High School (Matoaca District). County and school officials will give an overview of the referendum and break down the proposed school projects that would be funded if voters approve the measure.
The referendum would authorize a 1% sales tax increase, raising the current 6% sales tax rate to 7%. Under Virginia law effective July 1, 2026, counties and cities can seek voter approval for local sales tax increases dedicated to school capital projects. The tax would not apply to groceries or personal hygiene products. The Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the resolution on July 22, formally requesting the Chesterfield Circuit Court place the question on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
Revenue from the tax is estimated to generate $65 million to $70 million annually and can only be used for qualifying capital projects involving construction or major renovation of public schools serving Chesterfield County. Under state law, the tax would expire July 22, 2046.
The referendum would fund six major school projects: replacing the aging Midlothian Middle School; consolidating Thomas Dale High School onto a single campus (currently the school operates on two separate locations); constructing a new gymnasium at L.C. Bird High School; completing a Matoaca Middle School replacement; and constructing a new Dale Area Elementary School and a new elementary school in the Midlothian/Clover Hill area.
The Board of Supervisors is also considering offsetting some of the new sales tax with property tax reductions: a 2-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate and a 10-cent reduction in the personal property tax rate if the referendum is approved. Any changes would require separate Board action through a future budget and tax-rate process.
Voters seeking more details about eligibility requirements, voting procedures, and specific school projects can visit the county's dedicated website at chesterfield.gov/1ForSchools.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Co-host of informational meetings; voted to place referendum on ballot July 22
- Chesterfield County School Board: Co-host of informational meetings; overseeing school capital projects
Key dates
- 2026-09-03: Informational meeting at Meadowbrook High School (Dale District), 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-09: Informational meeting at Midlothian High School (Midlothian District), 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-14: Informational meeting at Clover Hill High School (Clover Hill District), 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-16: Informational meeting at Thomas Dale High School (Bermuda District), 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-17: Informational meeting at Manchester High School (Matoaca District), 6 p.m.
- 2026-11-03: 1 For Schools sales tax referendum vote
The case for
A dedicated sales tax for school capital projects would generate stable, predictable funding for critical infrastructure needs, including replacing an aging middle school building (originally constructed in 1924) and consolidating a high school split across two campuses. The tax would not apply to groceries or essential items, and the county plans to offset the impact with property tax reductions, potentially managing the overall tax burden.
The case against
Approving a new sales tax means residents will pay more when they make purchases, which may disproportionately affect lower-income households that spend a larger share of their income on taxable goods. The tax commitment runs until 2046, locking the county into a long-term revenue stream. Some may argue that school infrastructure needs should be met through existing budget resources or traditional bond mechanisms rather than creating a new permanent tax.
Why it matters: Chesterfield residents will vote on whether to fund major school facility improvements over the next 20 years through a new sales tax. The outcome will directly affect both school infrastructure and the county's tax structure for all residents and businesses making purchases in the county.
Places
- Meadowbrook High School
- Midlothian High School
- Clover Hill High School
- Thomas Dale High School
- Manchester High School
- Midlothian Middle School
- L.C. Bird High School
- Matoaca Middle School
Development timeline
- 2026-07-22Board of Supervisors approves referendum: Board votes to adopt resolution requesting Chesterfield Circuit Court place referendum on Nov. 3 ballot [source]
- 2026-09-03First informational meeting: Meadowbrook High School (Dale District) at 6 p.m. - officials present referendum overview and school projects [source]
- 2026-09-09Midlothian District meeting: Midlothian High School at 6 p.m. [source]
- 2026-09-14Clover Hill District meeting: Clover Hill High School at 6 p.m. [source]
- 2026-09-16Bermuda District meeting: Thomas Dale High School at 6 p.m. [source]
- 2026-09-17Matoaca District meeting: Manchester High School at 6 p.m. [source]
- 2026-11-03Sales tax referendum vote: Chesterfield County voters decide on 1% sales tax for school construction and renovation projects [source]
Related links
- 1 For Schools Referendum Official Page
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Newsflash
- School Projects Funding Details
Read the original at NBC12 / WWBT News →
Sources
- Chesterfield county, school officials to host meetings on 1% sales tax referendum
- 1 For Schools Referendum official page
- Voters to Decide on Local Sales Tax Plan, 1 For Schools, on Nov. 3
- 1 for Schools Would Fund Chesterfield School Construction, Maintenance Projects
- Chesterfield leaders discuss proposal for 1% sales tax hike to fund school projects
- Chesterfield supervisors approve sales tax hike referendum, propose property tax cut offset