ACCF Resolution on proposed Northern Virginia Regional Taxing Authority

Arlington County Civic Federation

Resolution of the Arlington County Civic Federation Regarding The Proposed Northern Virginia Regional Taxing Authority February 6, 2001

Whereas, on February 5, 2001, the Virginia State Senate passed SB #1368, which provides for a one-cent increase (from 4.5 cents per dollar to 5.5 cents) in the sales and use taxes to be levied in nine Northern Virginia counties and cities, including Arlington County, beginning on January 1, 2003;

Whereas, SB #1368 provides that such tax increases would be contingent upon voter approval of a joint referendum to be held on November 6, 2002;

Whereas, such referendum would be decided by the voters within the proposed taxing district jointly, meaning that Arlington taxpayers would become liable for the increased taxes even if the referendum were overwhelmingly rejected by Arlington voters;

Whereas, the estimated $220 million dollars generated by such tax increases would be allocated equally for transportation and education-related purposes;

Whereas, while the education portion of these increased taxes would remain within the jurisdiction in which they were levied, the transportation portion would be controlled by an appointed 16 member regional panel, not directly accountable to the voters, which panel would also have the authority to issue bonds for transportation projects;

Whereas, such unelected panel may not reflect the transportation spending priorities of Arlington voters, possibly resulting in Arlington tax dollars being spent predominantly for projects in jurisdictions other than Arlington, or for projects within Arlington that may not reflect the wants and desires of the majority of Arlingtonians;

Whereas, recognizing these concerns, on January 27, 2001 the Arlington County Board unanimously passed a resolution urging the General Assembly not to pass such legislation this session, suggesting further study of this proposed special taxing authority and its ramifications;

Therefore, the Civic Federation resolves to:

Urge the General Assembly not to proceed with final enactment of SB #1368, or any similar legislation;

Urge Governor Gilmore to veto such legislation, if it is passed by the General Assembly;

And urge to Arlington County Board and the members of the Arlington delegation in the General Assembly to take such action as appropriate consistent with this resolution.

This page was last revised on: December 28, 2003.