08/12/2026 Board of Supervisors

The County of Powhatan Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 12, 2026, primarily focused on discussing the implementation of a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax program. Staff presented an overview of BPOL taxes, including current fee-based structures and proposed proportional tax rate structures based on gross receipts, with comparisons to neighboring counties. The discussion included proposed thresholds, rate structures, and classifications for different business types, aiming to balance revenue generation with protecting small businesses. The board considered a proposed threshold increase from $3,000 to $10,000 for exemption and a tax threshold of $250,000 in gross receipts, with an average tax rate around 13 to 15 cents per $100 of gross receipts. Implementation considerations included the need for additional staffing, public education, and a January 1, 2027 effective date. The board discussed the potential impact on businesses, the administrative burden of auditing, and the possibility of indexing thresholds to inflation. The meeting concluded with plans to advertise the ordinance for public hearing and further board consideration in the coming months.