JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. — A proposed meals tax increase in James City County is drawing strong reactions from restaurant owners and local business advocates as county leaders look for new ways to generate revenue without further raising other taxes.
The James City County Board of Supervisors is considering increasing the county’s meals tax from 4% to 6% as part of ongoing budget discussions. County officials say the change would help offset rising expenses and bring the county in line with neighboring Williamsburg and York County.
But restaurant leaders argue the increase could further strain an industry already dealing with rising food costs, labor shortages and tighter consumer spending…