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Franklin council introduces wheel tax ordinance to preserve Community Crossings eligibility
Summary
City attorney introduced an ordinance to adopt a municipal wheel tax that would mirror the county levy so Franklin remains eligible for Community Crossings road grants; council introduced the measure for later public hearing and possible amendment.
City Attorney Lynn Gray introduced Ordinance 25-04 on April 21, saying the ordinance is being introduced so the city meets a state deadline tied to eligibility for Community Crossings grant funding.
Gray told the council the legislature required local units to have a wheel tax in place by June 2025 to qualify for Community Crossings money and that the proposed municipal tax would “mirror what is already in place with the county” so citizens would not pay two taxes. “This is for introduction tonight,” Gray said, adding the language may change before a final hearing.
Mayor (name not specified) said the city already receives pass-through Community Crossings funds and cited past grant receipts: “Since 02/2017, we through Community Crossings have gotten $7,533,962.9,” and said losing the eligibility would be costly. The mayor urged introduction to protect future funding, saying, “If we don't have one … the concern is we won't qualify.”
Gray and the mayor said the city is coordinating with the county to avoid double taxation if the county retains its wheel tax collection; the county has indicated it will not retain municipal pass-through dollars. The ordinance was introduced only; council members were told a public hearing and any amendments will come at the next meeting.
Why it matters: Community Crossings grants fund local road projects through a state–local match. Council members emphasized the June deadline to preserve the city’s share of previously awarded and projected funds.
What happens next: Ordinance 25-04 was introduced for later public hearing and possible amendment; the council did not adopt the ordinance tonight. The city attorney said language could change before a final hearing and staff will coordinate with county counsel to avoid duplicate collection.
