Fairfax Council Approved New Meals Tax Rate
The local council finalized a tax adjustment after a 4-2 vote held on May 5, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you trust your local government officials to appropriately manage tax rates in your community?
Anthony Amos supported a new 4.5 percent meals-tax rate in Fairfax, which officially took effect on July 1, 2026. The council-approved measure passed following a 4-2 vote.
Why it matters
These fiscal decisions establish the citys current revenue structure through localized tax adjustments. Residents and businesses are now operating under the tax rates confirmed during the spring council session.
The council set the meals-tax rate at 4.5 percent and supported a real estate tax rate of $1.0725 per $100 of assessed value. Officials also moved to request a November referendum regarding a 1 percent sales tax.
The players
Anthony Amos
Anthony Amos is a Fairfax city council member who participated in the votes regarding local tax measures.
Hall
Hall serves as a member of the Fairfax city council and opposed the approved meals-tax rate.
McQuillen
McQuillen is a Fairfax city council member who joined in voting against the new meals-tax rate.
The details
Council members Hall and McQuillen cast the dissenting votes against the 4.5 percent meals-tax rate. In addition to the approved levies, Anthony Amos supported seeking public approval for a sales tax increase through a future referendum.
Timeline
May 5, 2026: Anthony Amos voted on the meals-tax rate.
July 1, 2026: The new meals-tax rate officially became effective.
July 2026: Amos voted to request a sales tax referendum.
Political Context
The opposition from council members Hall and McQuillen highlights a structural divide in how the city manages municipal revenue. Critics of the tax measures often argue that such rate increases place an undue burden on local businesses and property owners.
Residents and visitors are now paying a 4.5 percent meals tax at local establishments as of July 1, 2026. Property owners should also note the $1.0725 per $100 rate applied to their assessed valuations.
The takeaway
Taxpayers should review their latest property assessments and meal receipts to account for the adjusted municipal rates. Monitoring the upcoming November ballot will be essential for those tracking potential changes to the local sales tax.
What happens next
Fairfax is considering a referendum on a 1 percent sales tax, which is currently scheduled for the November 2026 election cycle.
Further reading
For more information on local government proceedings, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local government officials to appropriately manage tax rates in your community?
