HEATHSVILLE—During Northumberland County budget discussions earlier this year, there were frequent requests by frustrated residents to look at additional sources of revenue rather than relying on real property tax. Following public hearings on Thursday, September 14, county supervisors adopted new taxes on cigarettes and transient occupancy.
The board voted 4-0 to add a $.40 per pack tax on cigarettes effective January 1, 2024, joining 11 counties and towns on the Chesapeake Bay Cigarette Tax Board. The other jurisdictions are Westmoreland County, Lancaster County, Middlesex County, Essex County, Accomack County, Northampton County, Town of Montross, Town of Colonial Beach, Town of Urbanna, Town of Warsaw and Town of Chincoteague. The board will oversee the assessment, collection and disbursement of the tax. According to Jerry Davis, executive director of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, which will implement the program, the county can expect about $12,000 per month from the 14 or 15 locations that sell cigarettes.
Kamal Kumar, whose family operates three Little Sue Food Stores in Northumberland County, opposed the tax. “Increasing taxes should be the last thing….
