A taxing conversation: Stafford County supervisors explore business-license levy
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors held a work session to discuss implementing a business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax to increase county revenue. Separately, they discussed strategies for utilizing anticipated tax revenue from data centers, with various supervisors proposing uses such as property tax relief, environmental initiatives, and debt reduction. Five data centers are already approved in the county, with three under construction, and applications for 11 more have been submitted.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors convened for a work session to deliberate on potential revenue-generating measures, including the introduction of a business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax. Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky informed supervisors that Stafford is the largest county in Virginia without such a tax, estimating it could generate $3.5 million to $4 million annually, compared to the $1 million from the current merchants' capital tax.
Separately, the supervisors discussed the allocation of anticipated tax revenue from numerous data centers developing within the county. Planning and Zoning Director Michael Zuraf reported that five data centers are already approved, with three under construction, and applications for an additional 11 projects have been filed. County CFO Andrea Light presented three strategies for managing this revenue, advising that 10-14% be set aside in a 'rainy day fund' to safeguard against industry fluctuations. Supervisors expressed diverse opinions on how to spend the excess funds, with Board Chairman Deuntay Diggs prioritizing a reduction in real estate tax rates and transportation improvements. Board Vice Chairwoman Maya Guy advocated for using the funds for environmental impacts and property owner tax rebates, while Supervisor Darrell English and Pamela Yeung showed interest in debt reduction. The discussions are slated to continue at a future meeting.