At the James City County Board of Supervisor’s (BOS) meeting on April 14, 2020, the members discussed the possibility of opening the County prior to June 10th, the date the Governor’s set for residents to remain at home. Why would they advocate something in direct contradiction to the Governor’s directive? Money.
The BOS has taken a look at its budget and realized that they will have to revise it drastically. Reduced Tommy Tax revenue means less Tourism Development money to be handed out to a select few businesses. Another reduction in the County’s tax income is lower gross receipts tax collected due to the Coronavirus shutdown. In order to obtain a business license in the County, you must provide your total revenue for the year. The County then taxes your business on the amount of money you made and you pay that tax in order to operate your business each year. Yearly revenue will be down for small business in the area which means the County will not be collecting as much of that tax.
How will the County compensate? Reduce spending? Cutting the budget? Not likely. The BOS was quick to say that they wouldn’t be raising taxes, but they raised property values this year which is essentially raising taxes on residents.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
If the County cries uncle before the rest of the state, we could see businesses open up sooner than June 10th. This is a very good thing as we are a tourism based industry and we need to lead the way for the state’s recovery.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
Contact your Board of Supervisors and let then know you want the County reopened!
