Kim Halterman, AHPS Superintendent, and Darrell Gleason, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Media Specialist, spoke on a proposal to increase local sales tax by 1% to help with renovations and school construction. Voters will have an opportunity to vote on the issue on November 3.

Clifton Forge Town Council Discusses Potential 1% Local Tax Increase and $15,000 Grant Funding During October Meeting By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (Oct. 14, 2026)— Clifton Forge Town Council met on Wednesday, October 14, for their regular monthly meeting. This Wednesday meeting deviated from their usual schedule of the second Tuesday of each month due to the attendance of the majority of council members and the town manager at the Virginia Municipal League’s annual Conference & Mayors Institute. That conference took place from October 10–13 in Norfolk, VA. One of the significant topics of discussion this evening was the proposal of a 1% local sales tax, which the voters will have the opportunity to decide on November 3. As previously reported by the Journal, this proposal follows recent developments in the Virginia General Assembly, which approved budget language that allows qualifying counties and cities to propose an additional local sales tax up to 1% for school construction and major renovation projects. Giving the presentation this evening were Kim Halterman, AHPS School Superintendent, and Darrell Gleason, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Media Specialist. Both speakers addressed the potential impact of the proposed tax increase. If approved, the local sales tax would rise from 5.3% to 6.3% in Alleghany County and Covington. A $15,000 vitality grant was also discussed by Clifton Forge Town Manager Chuck Unroe during his manager's comments. Unroe stated, "Maria [Saxton, Director of Planning and Community Development] worked with Clifton Forge Main Street group. They made application to the DHCD (Department of Housing and Community Development) for the Community Vitality Grant and was successful with that grant. So, Clifton Forge Main Street’s been awarded a fifteen thousand dollar grant for branded seating and sun shades at the ampitheatre, and I don’t know exactly when that will get started, but I know that Maria is working closely with the theatre and Main Street on that project.” Town Manager Chuck Unroe spoke on several issues affecting the town this evening, including a recent $15,000 vitality grant that will go towards branded seating and sun shades at the ampitheatre. (L to R) Councilwoman Debbie Laudermilk, Councilman Carl "Shorty" Wolfe, Mayor Jeff Irvine, Vice Mayor Dale Burdette, and Councilman Michael Foster.

* * * * *