$50 wheel tax approved

By Eddie West

Staff Writer

County commissioners have approved on final reading a resolution implementing a $50 wheel tax with funds benefiting the county highway department.

More specifically, funds collected from the wheel tax are to be designated for county road improvement projects such as resurfacing.

The second reading and final approval came during the commission’s October meeting  held last Monday (October 28) night.

The legislation calls for funds generated by the wheel tax to be used for “county highway capital projects fund and used to make capital improvements to the roads of Smith County”. More specifically, during meetings county officials have said funds will be used for gravel, oil, asphalt and equipment purchases.

Now, it’s a waiting game. A successful petition drive could send the legislation to a referendum or vote by the people. This would result in a special election.

A petition is being circulated.

If the petition drive calling for a referendum is not successful, the implementation date for the wheel tax is expected to be January 1.

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