Richmond, Chesterfield defy Virginia's school tax backlash

When it takes effect: Both localities must formally approve the 1% increases for school construction, but neither had scheduled a vote as of Wednesday afternoon.

• Chesterfield must wait at least 120 days after supervisors approve the tax before it takes effect.
• Richmond expects to begin collecting the tax no earlier than July 2027, if City Council approves it.

What it could cost you: $1 for every $100 in taxable purchases.

• Chesterfield estimates an average home- and car-owning household would pay $162 more annually, or $68 if its proposed tax cuts are approved.
• Richmond hasn't released a comparable estimate. But City Council on Monday will weigh a 4-cent real estate tax cut that could save homeowners $140 annually on a $350,000 home, starting January 2028.

The catch: The proposed real estate tax cut could cost Richmond about $16 million annually — and is four times larger than Mayor Danny Avula's proposed 1-cent reduction.

Friction point: Chesterfield's referendum passed by a margin of less than 1 percentage point, or about 1,600 votes, qualifying it for a recount.

• It's not automatic. Under Virginia law, at least 50 voters must petition within 10 days of certification — which is expected Nov. 13.
• County officials didn't immediately respond to Axios about whether anyone had requested one yet.