Post Content

Alexandria Takes Stock of Millions in Lost Sales Tax Revenue

In the middle of the ongoing budget season, the City Council is looking back at the dramatic drop-off in tax revenue over the last year, yet another reflection of the dramatic toll of the coronavirus pandemic.

A financial report to the City Council includes a summary of the $17.4 million consumptive tax revenue — taxable revenue from the sale of goods or services, like sales taxes — lost since March 2020.

The chart shows a 25% decline in consumer spending in 2020 compared to 2019, with taxes on admissions being particularly hard hit with an 84.3% decline, from $562,660 collected in taxes on admissions in 2019 and only $88,548 in 2020. Last April, tax revenue showed that only four people in the entire city purchased movie theater tickets.

Transient lodging (hotels) took a similar hit, down 69.5% from 2019 to 2020. Some of the city’s hotels may not survive the pandemic, and the city and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) are currently looking into converting closing hotels into affordable housing units.

The decline in consumer spending accounted for part of the budget’s initial $41 million budget gap that was eventually resolved into the proposed FY 2022 budget. City Manager Mark Jinks proposed a 2 cent real estate tax rate reduction, though some in the city have noted that taxes are still likely to go up for local residents as they shoulder the burden of the decline in commercial revenue.

Recent Stories

The biggest news throughout the region was the smoke from the Canadian wildfires that descended on Wednesday and stayed through yesterday. Air quality reached dire levels and the City of…

The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Administration visited Southern Towers in the West End this week, signalling to housing advocates that years of protests against rent hikes and evictions…

(Updated 1:15 p.m.) The Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge was closed to traffic due to police activity, though as of 1:15 p.m. is has reopened. A foot pursuit across the Mount Vernon…

A 4 BD/3 BA updated home with hardwood floors, covered porch and remodeled lower level is featured in Just Listed.

Are you seeking a confidential space where you can explore your emotions, overcome challenges, and find inner peace? Look no further than our dedicated psychotherapy service! We understand that life can be overwhelming at times, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At Peaceful Mind Solutions, our passion lies in helping individuals like you navigate life’s complexities and find the strength to thrive. Our skilled and compassionate therapist is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. With our personalized approach, we tailor each session to address your unique needs and empower you to overcome obstacles.

Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of the human mind, our therapist will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we’re here to provide guidance and practical tools for lasting change.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Time flies when you’re having fun! The T.C. Williams High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion July 21-23, 2023 in Alexandria. All graduates and their adult nears and dears are welcome. Events include a Friday evening icebreaker, Saturday dinner dance, and a Sunday brunch. For more information: tcwilliams73.com, 770.789.3534.

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list