How to make an inforned decision on Fairfax county meal tax referendum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Similar thing with the Chicago teachers. Their AVERAGE salary is $78,000 - plus all that free time off - and they scream for raises, too. And what about the benefits? They contribute something like 2% to their pension, while I get no pension and just have to save with a 401k.

Plus, the medical benefits as retirees. I was complaining to a retired teacher friend of mine (MoCo) about the fact that Obamacare won't cover my PT (which will cost me THOUSANDS), and she said....I know how you feel. I have a $20 co-pay, and I'm going to end up paying over $100 for my PT." I didn't argue with her, but merely said, "wow. I wish all I had to pay was $20!" I really don't think teachers know how well compensated they are - either during their career or during retirement.

Fairfax pays comparatively lower than other districts in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Benefits for teachers are state mandated.

What does state-mandated mean? The state gives great benefits (paid for by taxpayers). Does that make the benefits any less excellent? And as far as MoCo and DC paying more, well....I sure don't want to hear them complain about their nearly $100k salaries and summers off!

Reminds me of a fed emoloyee, who was complaining about her GS 14 Step 10 salary - which is a good $50k more than what I earn. (Amazing how public employees believe they're so underpaid that the assume the person they're tslking to makes more.) When I pointed out that she also has a great pension plan, she answered....yes, but that's REQUIRED according to the federal government. It's only required because that's what the government decided to enact. And they csn always reduce it for the future.

[Anonymous]

1. "Little" expenditures add up. How about the money being spent to provide a free computer to EVERY student in the Chantilly pyramid? (Can't wait to see what happens at the end of the year when computers go missing or turn up damaged.)
2. Money to study and change the names of schools--a million or so-at least.
3. Time and effort spent on the transgender policy--and, very likely, money to be committed to new plumbing costs. Also, money will be spent defending the new policy in lawsuits. Do you have any idea how much FCPS spends on legal fees?

Much of the additional costs in FCPS are due to the sanctuary county policy. We have soooo many kids who need very expensive education--these kids cost us more than kids who speak English. It is right that we educate the kids who are here--but, the sanctuary policy in Fairfax County attracts families whose education costs are above the norm. The elimination of the sanctuary policy would eliminate the need for more funds.

[Anonymous]

Repubs are against it. Dems are for it. Enough said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Repubs are against it. Dems are for it. Enough said.

On a local level, party affiliation isn't that important. Your post doesn't really inform.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm voting yes, because it's an optional tax. You don't have to go out to eat. Much better than the less-optional RE and car taxes.

Hopefully they will use the money appropriately (but that's a concern whatever tax they use).

My concern lies more with the elderly - especially single elderly. You can't expect them to always prepare cooked meals, and they enjoy the ease of packaged dinners from the grocery store, or modest meals out - like IHOP and Silver Diner. (Look around in one.)

The hardest hit people are retirees in their early 60s, often forced out of their last jobs and too young for Medicare. They have out-of-control medical costs, and now you're going to raise their meals tax, also, because Democrats can't get a handle in their spending?

Finally, I imagine a big chunk of the increased costs results from having to educate the illegal immigrants. Crack down on the border, and watch the costs of education drop.

Maybe you could pick up the tab of a "single elderly" person you see dining in the IHOP or Silver Diner, PP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm voting yes, because it's an optional tax. You don't have to go out to eat. Much better than the less-optional RE and car taxes.

Hopefully they will use the money appropriately (but that's a concern whatever tax they use).

My concern lies more with the elderly - especially single elderly. You can't expect them to always prepare cooked meals, and they enjoy the ease of packaged dinners from the grocery store, or modest meals out - like IHOP and Silver Diner. (Look around in one.)

The hardest hit people are retirees in their early 60s, often forced out of their last jobs and too young for Medicare. They have out-of-control medical costs, and now you're going to raise their meals tax, also, because Democrats can't get a handle in their spending?

Finally, I imagine a big chunk of the increased costs results from having to educate the illegal immigrants. Crack down on the border, and watch the costs of education drop.

Maybe you could pick up the tab of a "single elderly" person you see dining in the IHOP or Silver Diner, PP

I have! And my elderly parents have reported the same has been done for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No vote from me. Also a NO vote on the almost $750 MILLION (total) in new debt they want to take out. I guess they don't realize that, at some point, they will have to pay that money back.

Pro meals tax state that other localities have meals taxes. All are far smaller than generic Fairfax County. That means the money is spent locally. Not the case with the FX proposed meal tax. What is local? Before a meals tax it is important to consider special tax districts in the county. Tax districts that are not part of official jurisdictions and include Reston and Mclean. FX stopped enacting these amenity based districts.

Besides the drain on all our taxes FX took on the debt of the local/regional for this county Lorton Arts Center. No special tax district. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/fairfax-will-assume-30-million-in-debt-owed-by-arts-center-at-the-old-lorton-prison/2014/01/14/b740e558-7d8a-11e3-93c1-0e888170b723_story.html

Furthermore publications indicate that some areas within FX county that already have meals tax will also have the county tax. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mealstax/images/2016-meals-tax-referendum-pamphlet.pdf

"FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Sharon Bulova, Chairman, At-Large
Penelope A. Gross, Vice Chairman,
Mason District
John C. Cook, Braddock District
John W. Foust, Dranesville District
Catherine M. Hudgins, Hunter Mill District
Jeffrey C. McKay, Lee District
Daniel G. Storck, Mount Vernon District
Linda Q. Smyth, Providence District
Pat Herrity, Springfield District
Kathy L. Smith, Sully District
For contact information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/government/board.
How Much Would the Meals Tax Cost?
If approved, a 4 percent meals tax would add 4 cents to every dollar spent on dining out in
Fairfax County. For example:
• $5 fast food meal would cost an additional 20 cents.
• $10 fast casual meal would cost an additional 40 cents.
• $100 restaurant meal would cost an additional $4.
A meals tax applies in addition to other applicable taxes, such as sales taxes.
Based on information from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, it is estimated that approximately 28
percent of meal expenditures in Fairfax County are generated by non-county residents.
Many Local Jurisdictions Have a Meals Tax
If you go out to eat (outside of our county), you may already be paying a meals tax to another
local government.
Examples of our neighbor jurisdictions that have a meals tax in place include:
• Alexandria: 4 percent.
• Arlington: 4 percent.
• Falls Church: 4 percent.
• Fairfax City: 4 percent.
• Herndon: 2.5 percent.
• Vienna: 3 percent.
• District of Columbia: 10 percent.
Based upon state law, the county’s meals tax would not apply in the towns of Herndon, Vienna or Clifton. "

Which of the above are in FX County? • Falls Church: 4 percent.
• Fairfax City: 4 percent.
• Herndon: 2.5 percent.
• Vienna: 3 percent.

Does this mean double meals tax in the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No vote from me. Also a NO vote on the almost $750 MILLION (total) in new debt they want to take out. I guess they don't realize that, at some point, they will have to pay that money back.

Pro meals tax state that other localities have meals taxes. All are far smaller than generic Fairfax County. That means the money is spent locally. Not the case with the FX proposed meal tax. What is local? Before a meals tax it is important to consider special tax districts in the county. Tax districts that are not part of official jurisdictions and include Reston and Mclean. FX stopped enacting these amenity based districts.

Besides the drain on all our taxes FX took on the debt of the local/regional for this county Lorton Arts Center. No special tax district. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/fairfax-will-assume-30-million-in-debt-owed-by-arts-center-at-the-old-lorton-prison/2014/01/14/b740e558-7d8a-11e3-93c1-0e888170b723_story.html

Furthermore publications indicate that some areas within FX county that already have meals tax will also have the county tax. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mealstax/images/2016-meals-tax-referendum-pamphlet.pdf

"FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Sharon Bulova, Chairman, At-Large
Penelope A. Gross, Vice Chairman,
Mason District
John C. Cook, Braddock District
John W. Foust, Dranesville District
Catherine M. Hudgins, Hunter Mill District
Jeffrey C. McKay, Lee District
Daniel G. Storck, Mount Vernon District
Linda Q. Smyth, Providence District
Pat Herrity, Springfield District
Kathy L. Smith, Sully District
For contact information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/government/board.
How Much Would the Meals Tax Cost?
If approved, a 4 percent meals tax would add 4 cents to every dollar spent on dining out in
Fairfax County. For example:
• $5 fast food meal would cost an additional 20 cents.
• $10 fast casual meal would cost an additional 40 cents.
• $100 restaurant meal would cost an additional $4.
A meals tax applies in addition to other applicable taxes, such as sales taxes.
Based on information from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, it is estimated that approximately 28
percent of meal expenditures in Fairfax County are generated by non-county residents.
Many Local Jurisdictions Have a Meals Tax
If you go out to eat (outside of our county), you may already be paying a meals tax to another
local government.
Examples of our neighbor jurisdictions that have a meals tax in place include:
• Alexandria: 4 percent.
• Arlington: 4 percent.
• Falls Church: 4 percent.
• Fairfax City: 4 percent.
• Herndon: 2.5 percent.
• Vienna: 3 percent.
• District of Columbia: 10 percent.
Based upon state law, the county’s meals tax would not apply in the towns of Herndon, Vienna or Clifton. "

Which of the above are in FX County? • Falls Church: 4 percent.
• Fairfax City: 4 percent.
• Herndon: 2.5 percent.
• Vienna: 3 percent.

Does this mean double meals tax in the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax?

City of Fairfax is a separated enity from The county. We have our own government. Our meals taxes is not changed. It is already at 4%. And that is why We have nice things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm voting yes, because it's an optional tax. You don't have to go out to eat. Much better than the less-optional RE and car taxes.

Hopefully they will use the money appropriately (but that's a concern whatever tax they use).

My concern lies more with the elderly - especially single elderly. You can't expect them to always prepare cooked meals, and they enjoy the ease of packaged dinners from the grocery store, or modest meals out - like IHOP and Silver Diner. (Look around in one.)

The hardest hit people are retirees in their early 60s, often forced out of their last jobs and too young for Medicare. They have out-of-control medical costs, and now you're going to raise their meals tax, also, because Democrats can't get a handle in their spending?

Finally, I imagine a big chunk of the increased costs results from having to educate the illegal immigrants. Crack down on the border, and watch the costs of education drop.

Every other jurisdiction around has a meals tax.

This is why I'll be voting no. When every jurisdiction has a meals tax and this issue continues to get promoted, FFX has the opportunity to siphon off business from those jurisdictions that have the tax. Let the revenue grow that way, rather than adding a disincentive to dine out as often.

This is a perfect opportunity to promote the fact that families in Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria can realize that we won't levy a tax on your meal, come dine in FFX.

[Anonymous]

DC has a 10 percent meals tax?? Is that on top of the regular sales tax? Do they exempt elderly, disabled, and the low-income? What about the welfare people? Are they also paying an extra 10%?

Liberalism run amok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC has a 10 percent meals tax?? Is that on top of the regular sales tax? Do they exempt elderly, disabled, and the low-income? What about the welfare people? Are they also paying an extra 10%?

Liberalism run amok.

DC has had the 10% meals tax since I moved here in 2000. Do you never go into DC? I thought everyone knew about the DC meals tax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC has a 10 percent meals tax?? Is that on top of the regular sales tax? Do they exempt elderly, disabled, and the low-income? What about the welfare people? Are they also paying an extra 10%?

Liberalism run amok.

DC has had the 10% meals tax since I moved here in 2000. Do you never go into DC? I thought everyone knew about the DC meals tax.

I never noticed the tax specifically, although I'm always amazed by how expensive the bill is. Now I now why. But it's not me I'm talking about. This is a tax that hits the low-income disproprtionately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm voting yes, because it's an optional tax. You don't have to go out to eat. Much better than the less-optional RE and car taxes.

Hopefully they will use the money appropriately (but that's a concern whatever tax they use).

My concern lies more with the elderly - especially single elderly. You can't expect them to always prepare cooked meals, and they enjoy the ease of packaged dinners from the grocery store, or modest meals out - like IHOP and Silver Diner. (Look around in one.)

The hardest hit people are retirees in their early 60s, often forced out of their last jobs and too young for Medicare. They have out-of-control medical costs, and now you're going to raise their meals tax, also, because Democrats can't get a handle in their spending?

Finally, I imagine a big chunk of the increased costs results from having to educate the illegal immigrants. Crack down on the border, and watch the costs of education drop.

Every other jurisdiction around has a meals tax.

This is why I'll be voting no. When every jurisdiction has a meals tax and this issue continues to get promoted, FFX has the opportunity to siphon off business from those jurisdictions that have the tax. Let the revenue grow that way, rather than adding a disincentive to dine out as often.

This is a perfect opportunity to promote the fact that families in Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria can realize that we won't levy a tax on your meal, come dine in FFX.

Do you honestly believe people take this into account prior to deciding where to go out to dinner?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm voting yes, because it's an optional tax. You don't have to go out to eat. Much better than the less-optional RE and car taxes.

Hopefully they will use the money appropriately (but that's a concern whatever tax they use).

My concern lies more with the elderly - especially single elderly. You can't expect them to always prepare cooked meals, and they enjoy the ease of packaged dinners from the grocery store, or modest meals out - like IHOP and Silver Diner. (Look around in one.)

The hardest hit people are retirees in their early 60s, often forced out of their last jobs and too young for Medicare. They have out-of-control medical costs, and now you're going to raise their meals tax, also, because Democrats can't get a handle in their spending?

Finally, I imagine a big chunk of the increased costs results from having to educate the illegal immigrants. Crack down on the border, and watch the costs of education drop.

Every other jurisdiction around has a meals tax.

You didn't read the article, did you?

[Anonymous]

My kids go to FCPS. They don't need more money. They need to effectively spend what they already have.

Because taxes are a percentage, it is already adjusted to things like inflation, which means it already covers cost fluctuations in providing a fixed set of goods and services. Consequently, the only reason why the rate of tax needs to be increased is if they have found additional things to spend money on.