Nov. 12, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting of Staunton City Council

The Nov. 12, 2026 work session and regular meeting of Staunton City Council discussed the voter-approved authorization for a local sales tax of up to 1% to fund capital projects. Staff explained that the referendum did not itself impose the tax; Council must decide whether to adopt it and set the rate, with a public hearing and ordinance expected in December. Members expressed support for the full 1%, which was estimated to generate about $5 million annually. If adopted at the December meeting, collection could begin May 1, 2027. No vote on imposing the tax was taken at this meeting.

Council approved a contribution agreement with the Staunton Economic Development Authority supporting a proposed second phase of Frontier Center, and authorized the city manager to sign it. The agreement was described as performance-based, with a council member clarifying that it would involve no out-of-pocket city funding; no amount was stated in the transcript. Council also remanded a proposed rezoning at 2330 Morris Mill Road to the Planning Commission for further review of site access and coordinated development. Other approved zoning amendments would allow private day nurseries by right in business and mixed-use districts and permit manufactured housing where site-built housing is allowed; the latter follows a state law change. These decisions may affect future development opportunities, but no other procurement awards or purchases were identified.