Wheel Tax Fails In County Commission Vote

Jefferson County Commissioners declined to find a super majority to keep the wheel tax in place after it’s sunset in April 2024. The vote fell one vote short of the 14 needed to extend the current wheel tax, with 13 voting in favor, 7 in opposition and one absent. Revenues from the wheel tax account for around $1 million dollars in revenue for Jefferson County and have been earmarked for debt service. The suggested use when the item was presented earlier in the week was a split between debt service and capital projects.

Opponents of the continuation of the tax cited a long standing promise to retire the wheel tax and a healthy debt service account. Proponents of the tax noted the ability to make cash payments and retire outstanding county and school debt earlier than scheduled, as well as the wheel tax being a more fair, widespread tax than a possible increase in property taxes.

Some Commissioners voiced their concern that an extension, as presented, did not include an sunset on the tax. An amendment to that issue was offered by Commissioner Snodgrass but failed to find favor with the full body. It is possible that an extension could be brought again before the April 2024 sunset but it would have to have a minimum of 14 votes for a continuation of the wheel tax.