Countywide Metro Taxes Off Table

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors Friday evening indicated its support for a combination of special tax districts, all within the eastern portion of the county and excluding nearly all existing residential properties.

With a vote about whether to participate in the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, which would extend the Silver Line from Wiehle Avenue to Ashburn, planned for July 3, the board during its June 29 work session intended to show how the county would pay for the project. The scenario forwarded would avoid the use of general fund revenue and.

The board must still hold a public hearing before establishing such districts. As discussed, Friday evening, the board would establish a district around the stations in Loudoun and including all of Dulles International Airport. In addition, small districts within the immediate vicinity of the proposed rail stations would be established with additional taxes. Maximum rates of 20 cents are currently proposed for those districts.

County Treasurer Roger Zurn weighed in on the proposal when asked and called it a “brilliant plan,” if the board opts in, because it excludes the use of the general fund, which would impact all property owners in the county.

The board voted 8-1 to move forward with such district if the majority chooses to opt in to the project. Supervisors would still hold a formal vote on the tax district proposal after voting to opt in or opt out. County Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large) also clarified that the board must take an affirmative action to opt in to rail, contrary to previous statements by staff members that the county would automatically be in the project if no vote occurred.

Read more on Patch, get info on the county's Silver Line web page or contact the supervisors.