Pat Herrity | The Herrity Report
I was the only Board member to vote against moving forward with advertising a public hearing on an up to 4 percent Admissions Tax during Tuesday’s Board meeting. I also requested a $3M project get deferred until we learn more about the budget impacts. Our residents and businesses are struggling to make it and are being forced to make difficult decisions to balance their budgets. Now is not the time to be considering a new industry specific tax, especially an industry that has been hit so hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This tax would apply to the same movie theaters, concerts, and other non-charitable events that are already struggling to stay afloat due to forced closures prompted by the pandemic.
The Admissions Tax will be the subject of a public hearing at 3:00 pm on April 14th. Residents can also weigh in on the proposed Admissions Tax during the budget public hearings. If approved after the public hearing, revenue from the tax would go back to support arts, cultural, and tourism activities beginning October 1st, 2020. Generally, I only support industry-based taxes if the industry supports it, but I can’t in good conscience support a new industry specific tax during this difficult time for our residents and businesses — especially one on an industry that has been so hard hit. If you have feedback on this proposed tax you can share it with the entire Board by emailing ClerktotheBOS@FairfaxCounty.
I also requested the Board defer investing $3M in a new rent-controlled housing project until we have a further understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our budget. The Board approved the project over my objections.
Republican Pat Herrity represents the Springfield Magisterial District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. To subscribe to The Herrity Report, click here.