AGENDA DATE: 4/20/2022
TITLE:
Title
Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of an Ordinance to Impose a Disposable Plastic Bag Tax
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 15, Taxation, to impose a disposable plastic bag tax
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Hudson , Bessette, Birch, Sumner, Lin
PRESENTER (S): Nelsie Birch
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: During the 2020 General Assembly session, Virginia counties received enabling authority to increase the taxation amount on several taxing vehicles, including the ability to impose a disposable plastic bag tax. The legislation allows counties to impose a five cent per bag tax on disposable plastic bags provided by certain retailers with certain stipulations on the use of the associated revenues. Revenues from this tax must be used for programs supporting environmental cleanup, litter and pollution mitigation, or environmental education efforts, or to provide reusable bags to SNAP or WIC benefit recipients.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Virginia Code ? 58.1-17.45 through 58.1-1748 grants localities the authority to impose a five cent per bag tax on disposable plastic bags provided by grocery stores, convenience stores, or pharmacies. The attached proposed Ordinance (Attachment A) would amend County Code Chapter 15, Taxation, by adding Article 8.1 to impose the enabled plastic bag tax. Durable plastic bags designed for repeated use and plastic bags used solely to wrap, contain, or package certain goods to prevent damage or contamination are exempt from this tax. This exclusion would include packaging for ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, produce, unwrapped bulk food items...
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