This Day in Henrico History: Oct. 9 – Henrico officials make case for meals-tax referendum

On Oct. 9, 2013, Henrico County officials held a Tuckahoe District town meeting focused on a referendum that would ask voters whether the county should be permitted to impose a 4% tax on prepared meals and beverages.

Tuckahoe Supervisor Patricia O’Bannon hosted afternoon and evening sessions at Tuckahoe Area Library, with County Manager John Vithoulkas joining her to explain the proposal and answer questions.

County officials estimated at the time that the tax could generate about $18 million annually for Henrico County Public Schools. They also argued that a significant share would be paid by nonresidents who ate at Henrico restaurants while visiting or working in the county.

The referendum went before voters less than a month later, on Nov. 5, 2013. The Oct. 9 meeting was one of the public forums leading up to a decision that would create a significant new source of local school funding.

Sources: Henrico County; Bacon’s Rebellion contemporary account