Gibson County commissioners voted to advertise a proposed increase to the county wheel tax so the issue can receive a public hearing at the next meeting.

Background and rationale: county staff briefed the board on statewide changes moving distribution of some state highway funding to local governments. A commissioner said that without raising the local wheel tax to the maximum allowable rate the county could lose roughly $1.5 million in highway funding annually. The discussion emphasized that the current step is to advertise a first reading and a public hearing so residents can be informed and comment before any final vote.

Commission action: a commissioner moved to advertise the proposed wheel‑tax increase to the maximum allowable rate; the motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote. Staff and commissioners noted the county could still reject the increase after the required public hearing.

Next steps: the advertisement will inform the public of a future hearing; if the board moves forward after the hearing it will hold a formal vote. Commissioners were reminded that advertising and a hearing are procedural prerequisites under state law.

Ending: commissioners approved advertising the proposal and staff will publish the notice and arrange the public‑hearing details.