Wheel tax petition falls short; new $50 tax could begin in month of January

By Eddie West Staff Writer

A petition calling for a referendum or vote of the people on a $50 wheel tax approved by county commissioners this fall was not successful, according to the county’s election commission office.

Residents had until November 27 (the day before Thanksgiving) to garner 529 names calling for a referendum.

This means the $50 tax will be implemented.

During their October 28 meeting, county commissioners approved on second and final reading a resolution implementing a $50 wheel tax with funds benefiting the county’s road department. More specifically, funds collected from the wheel tax are to be designated for county road improvement projects such as resurfacing.

In October, commissioners discussed an implementation date of January 1 (2025) for the wheel tax.

A successful petition drive would have sent the legislation to referendum. 

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