Commission recommends directing commercial AFT increases to road capital projects

The Wilson County Road Commission on July 10 voted to recommend that increases to the commercial AFT (a county commercial vehicle/fee source discussed at planning & zoning meetings) be designated for road capital improvement projects.

Commissioners said the commercial AFT currently yields roughly $800,000'$900,000 a year and could increase to "a couple million" depending on rate changes. One commissioner said raising the commercial AFT and directing the proceeds to roads would create a funding stream for capital projects; the county attorney noted the private act allows receipts to be used for capital projects and schools and that the budget committee and county commission would finalize allocation details.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to recommend designation of commercial AFT revenue to road capital projects. Commissioners discussed alternative options, including a wheel (vehicle) tax referendum to raise larger sums: staff cited an estimate that a $25 wheel tax would generate about $3,750,000 annually and said a $15 option could produce a smaller but still material amount. Commissioners noted a referendum schedule and budget committee review would be needed before any change.

The recommendation now proceeds to the county commission and budget committee, where staff and commissioners said further legal and fiscal calculations will be completed.