Martinsville boards set agendas on sales tax referendum, rezoning, and blight ordinances
Three Martinsville boards met or posted agendas in the past two weeks, but no minutes have been published for any of the sessions. That means the items below reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not what was ultimately decided. Outcomes will be confirmed when minutes become available.
City Council — July 14
The most consequential item on the City Council agenda was a resolution to place a referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot for an additional 1% local sales and use tax to fund school capital projects. If voters approve it, the tax would apply to purchases within the city and the revenue would go toward school construction or renovation.
Council was also scheduled to consider a letter of support, by resolution, for the VDOT SMART Scale Project covering Commonwealth Blvd, Liberty St, and Market St.
Two public hearings were set for first readings of ordinances:
- **Ordinance No. 2026-13** — appropriating funds for water and wastewater design.
- **Ordinance No. 2026-16** — rezoning 59 parcels along Liberty St and York St.
Consent items included approval of recent meeting minutes and a reimbursement grant request of up to $50,000 from the Virginia Department of Forestry for kudzu removal.
Because minutes are not yet published, vote tallies and final actions on each item are not available.
Economic Development Authority — July 6
The EDA agenda included a proposed contract for a $50,000 Virginia Housing Community Engagement grant tied to the property at 51 Lester.
The board was also scheduled to act on two fees involving Eric Payne: a $500 outstanding fee for his VRLI scholarship and a request for a $525 VEDA Cornerstone Membership fee.
A closed session was listed for updates on three items: the Commonwealth Dual – Brand Hotel, the National Guard Armory, and the Adaptive Reuse Project.
The agenda also included input on appointments for EDA Board terms expiring September 2026.
No minutes have been published, so it is not confirmed which items the board approved or acted on.
Planning Commission — July 15
The Planning Commission agenda listed two draft ordinance amendments under New Business:
- **Blight and Derelict Buildings**
- **Automobile Graveyards and Junkyards**
The commission was also scheduled to prepare an update to present to the City Council at its July 28, 2026 meeting.
These are draft amendments, meaning they have not been adopted. Minutes are not yet available to confirm what the commission recommended.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. The City Council meeting referenced for July 28, 2026 by the Planning Commission is outside the current meeting window and not yet listed in the provided schedule.