RICHMOND, Va. — An increase to Richmond’s meals tax went into effect on Sunday.

Richmond City Council members approved a measure in February which bumped the meals tax at restaurants from six to seven and a half-percent.

The total tax, combined with sales tax, increases from 11.3 to 12.8 percent.

Mayor Levar Stoney said the increase is expected to generate more than $9 million each year that would go towards renovating city schools

However, some locals said the increase is unfairly placing the financial burden for fixing schools on small businesses.