Real estate tax

More revenue is going to the resort, and Virginia Beach City Council’s proposed budget increases real estate tax revenue by 12%.

The meals tax revenue is increasing 43%, something we pay when we buy a Happy Meal at McDonald’s or a precooked chicken at Food Lion. The amusement tax revenue is increasing 61%, something we pay taking our kids to the movies, skating, bowling, miniature golf, and the hotel tax revenue, the only tourism only tax, is increasing 46%.

These taxes are from all over the city, not just the resort area. We should sunset the Tourism Investment Program Fund so we all benefit from tourism not just the Oceanfront. It is not fair to subsidize business districts when we have neighborhoods that pay increased real estate rates for dredging and sand replenishment, or venues that are free during tourist season when they could charge admission or nonprofits when they should endeavor to solicit voluntary donation from patrons, not ask government to confiscate it from residents.

Virginians continue to feel the financial squeeze that’s making it challenging for them to pay for basic goods and services that are necessary for everyday life. Inflation is at a 40-year high with no relief in sight; gas costs $4.20 with prices expected to continue to rise throughout the year.

The average household could incur an additional $5,200 this year due to inflation. The council should not increase the real estate taxes on top of this burden on taxpayers.

Dianna Howard, chair of the Virginia Beach Tea Party, Virginia Beach