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Commission advances first reading of wheel tax after amendment to dedicate proceeds to jail
Summary
The county commission advanced a first reading of a proposed wheel tax to help fund a new jail, passing an amendment to dedicate 100% of proceeds to a capital outlay reserve for the jail and debt repayment; a separate proposal to make the tax sunset when the jail is paid off failed.
The county commission held a lengthy debate and advanced the first reading of an ordinance to implement a wheel tax, voting to bring the measure forward after approving a narrowing amendment.
At the meeting, the chair introduced Ordinance 3 44 20 26 06, a draft that set the wheel-tax rate at $80 for most vehicles and $50 for antiques and special designations and directed proceeds to capital projects. Commissioner Forrest Allen moved to amend section 5 so that “100% of the fund shall be applied to the capital outlay reserve fund and restricted to the construction of the county jail and repayment of any debt,” and the amendment passed by electronic vote 18 yes, 0 no, 2 absent.
Commissioners debated whether the tax should have a fixed sunset or end when the jail debt is paid. Commissioner Chris Gregory proposed amending the ordinance so it would “sunset the date that the jail is paid off” rather than a fixed 40-year term; that motion failed on a recorded vote, 7 yes, 11 no, 2 absent. Opponents warned that a variable sunset tied to the jail could expose future commissions to continuing obligations and refinancing risks, while supporters said tying the tax strictly to jail debt fit the measure’s purpose.
Several commissioners stressed uncertainty about final jail costs. A commissioner noted that proceeds would not fully pay for construction and described the wheel tax primarily as a subsidy to spread costs among taxpayers. Another said the commission had discussed the jail for years and urged action to start saving. Mayor Jack told the commission work on permitting and design would likely push major construction decisions into 2027–2028, which some members said reduced short-term urgency but did not remove the need to plan funding.
The chair put the ordinance, with the adopted amendment, to a first-reading vote; the motion carried 17 yes, 1 no, 2 absent. The ordinance will return for a second reading and further consideration.
The exchange illustrated commissioners’ split over timing and structure: whether to start stockpiling funds now or wait for final building costs and financing details. Budget hearings are scheduled in May, where commissioners said they will continue reviewing the fiscal implications.
Next steps: the ordinance returns for a second reading and public comment as required by county procedure.
