VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.— The Virginia Beach City Council made some major decisions at its meeting Tuesday night.
One decision could possibly have a big impact on your wallet, and that's working to lower your car tax.
Car values in the Resort City have gone up about 40% over the past year. News 3 spoke with the commissioner of revenue about the issue before the meeting.
"It does represent fair market values, but I do believe that the market is distorted, and I do believe it's something that needs serious consideration by the governing body, which is the city council," said Phil Kellam, Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Virginia Beach.
At that time, Kellam told us that he was working on either a reduction or another way to account for inflation, and Tuesday night, city council members could decide on setting an assessment ratio of 75% of a vehicle's fair market value for cars and compact vehicles. For reference, if they decided to assess at 100%, it would increase taxes for Virginia Beach residents.
During Tuesday night's meeting, council members approved a resolution to concur with Personal Property Assessment Methodology for vehicles in 2022. They also approved an ordinance to amend 2022 tax levy on personal property and machines and tools.
Another big topic up for discussion Tuesday night was creating a permanent memorial for Deshayla Harris. She was killed when a stray bullet hit her near Atlantic Avenue and 19th Street, during a chaotic and violent night at the Oceanfront. Nearly a year later, there has been no arrest in her murder.
Related: Community members raise questions, awareness about Deshayla Harris shooting investigation
Harris' mother has made a temporary memorial for her daughter at the Oceanfront.
Council membersvoted against a permanent memorial for Harris.
