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Last November Charlotte County voters approved a 1% sales tax increase that county officials say will help fund much-needed school projects.

It’s now time to pay up.

Starting Thursday, July 1, the sales and use tax rate is increasing in the county potentially bringing in an estimated $300,000 in additional revenue.

The sales and use tax rate in Charlotte, will go up 1% for a total of 6.3%.

This includes the 4.3% state tax, the 1% local option tax and the 1% additional tax for the county.

This adjusted sales and use tax rate does not apply to food purchased for human consumption, such as groceries, or essential personal hygiene products, as both are taxed at a reduced rate.

The tax will be placed on beer, wine, cigarettes, and prepared foods.

Randolph-Henry High School is one of the county’s schools that officials say is in desperate need of repairs and will benefit from the additional sales tax.

“I know it was hard for the citizens to vote for another tax willingly,” Board of Supervisor and Sales Tax Committee member Kay Pierantoni said. “However, it was the right decision as this sales tax will go directly into an account that can only be used on school buildings.”

The changes, allowing localities to hold a referendum to increase sales taxes to benefit education, are a result of legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the 2020 session.