Shenandoah County’s plan to adopt a 6% meals tax in areas outside town limits has set off a split between emergency-service advocates who say it will fund critical equipment and tourism businesses who say it will drive visitors away.

Under the proposed ordinance, all prepared food and beverages sold in unincorporated Shenandoah County would be subject to a 6% levy beginning Feb. 1, 2026. County Administrator Evan Vass said at Tuesday night's Board of Supervisors meeting that all six incorporated towns already charge a 6% meals tax, so the new tax would apply only to businesses outside town limits. On a $30 dinner bill, Vass said the county meals tax would amount to $1.80.

Vass said the county has incorporated the tax into its fiscal 2026 budget and estimates it would generate at least $6

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