Boone County Highway Department highlights HB 1461 wheel tax impact on funding

During the recent Boone County Council meeting held on April 8, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding proposed legislation that could impact local funding for road maintenance and improvements. Nick Barr from the Boone County Highway Department addressed the council, highlighting the implications of House Bill 1461, which includes a wheel tax requirement that could drastically reduce the county's eligibility for community crossing grants.

Currently, Boone County benefits from approximately $1.5 million annually through community crossings, a competitive funding program for road projects. However, if the proposed legislation passes without amendments, the county would only qualify for 50% of these funds, significantly limiting resources for essential highway projects. Barr emphasized that the recent amendments to the bill did not alleviate these concerns, as they still maintain the wheel tax requirement.

The potential changes could lead to a substantial decrease in funding opportunities, particularly as the overall pool of community crossing dollars is set to be capped at $100 million per year, down from $350 million. This reduction would make securing grants even more competitive, further straining local infrastructure budgets.

Barr noted that if the wheel tax is not enacted by 2028, Boone County would face severe limitations in accessing these critical funds. The council was urged to consider the implications of this legislation and the necessity of passing a wheel tax to ensure full eligibility for community crossing dollars.

As the council concluded the meeting, the urgency of addressing these funding challenges was clear, with the potential for significant impacts on the county's infrastructure and public safety. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how Boone County navigates these legislative changes and secures necessary funding for its roads.