Temporary Meals Tax Hike Proposed To Advance Pool, Fitness Center In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — The town is considering the pool and fitness center town residents want to see in the vacant annex property, but it would come with a cost.

On Monday, Vienna Town Council received the final recommendation on the annex property’s future use. Contractor Kimmel-Bogrette presented concepts for an indoor recreational pool with lap lanes and a water playground on one level of the facility and a fitness center overlooking the pool on the second level.

“Vienna residents are very health-conscious, and this is something they have been asking for, for a long time,” said Mayor Linda Colbert. “It’s exciting that we now have the opportunity to make it a reality.”

Kimmel-Bogrette estimated it could cost $21 million to $26.5 million to construct the pool and fitness center facility. At Monday’s work session, Town Council discussed pursuing the project sooner through a temporary 1 percent meals tax. The tax revenue would be dedicated to the pool and fitness center construction to help it open by 2030. Based on the town’s usual capital planning process, the town estimates it could open no earlier than 2040 without temporary meals tax revenue.

The town already implements a 3 percent meals tax. The mayor noted a temporary meals tax from 2002 to 2008 was used to fund construction of the Vienna Town Green.

“Despite the extra penny tax on the dollar, overall restaurant revenues increased during that time, and we have an opportunity now to use the same formula to construct an aquatics and fitness center in the heart of Vienna,” said Colbert. “We’re talking about an extra 3 cents for a $3 cup of coffee or an extra 15 cents on a $15 meal to pay for a highly desired Town facility as quickly as possible.”

The proposed meals tax increase would sunset after 10 years. The Vienna Town Council will seek community input through additional outreach and a public hearing. Residents may also provide feedback to the Town Council at council@viennava.gov or by calling the Town Clerk’s office at 703-255-6304.

The town bought the annex property, formerly Faith Baptist Church, at 301 Center Street S in fall 2020. It was temporarily used as Vienna Police headquarters while the police station reconstruction project was happening.

Town Council voted in 2023 to demolish the building, as the town estimated it would be costly to bring the building up to code for parks and recreation use. Demolition started in the spring.

A more community-focused long-term use was envisioned when the town bought the property. A study done by consultant Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site found the pool and fitness center were the top two options residents would like to see at the site. Similarly, A recreational pool and a fitness center were also the community’s top two priorities in the town’s parks master planning process.