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Bedford mayor says council will consider city wheel tax to secure $80,000–$120,000 in state road funds
Summary
Mayor Sam Craig announced the Bedford City Council will meet June 16 to discuss adopting a city wheel tax under House Enrolled Act 1461; he said adoption could make the city eligible for an estimated $80,000–$120,000 a year from state transportation programs and that residents’ payments would not change.
Bedford Mayor Sam Craig urged residents to tune in to the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at 7 p.m., when the council will "discuss and consider adopting a city wheel tax," saying the move could make the city eligible for additional state transportation funding.
Craig said the discussion follows changes enacted at the state level in House Enrolled Act 1461 and that, under the new law, "cities that adopt a wheel tax become eligible for additional state transportation funding through the Indiana Department of Transportation." He told listeners that "for Bedford, that could mean additional $80,000 to $120,000 annually to help improve and maintain our roads."
The mayor noted a county wheel tax is already in place and said a city wheel tax, if adopted, would replace the county wheel tax for residents inside Bedford. "Residents will not see a change in the amount they pay," he said, explaining the principal fiscal difference is that the revenue would be directed to the city rather than passing through Lawrence County.
Craig said that if the council approves a city wheel tax, the change would take effect in 2027 and would ensure Bedford remains eligible for state programs—including lane-miles funding—that support paving and other transportation improvements.
He closed by reminding residents that public meetings are held at Bedford Municipal Hall, 1617K Street behind City Hall, and that the meeting can be watched via the city's Facebook page or YouTube channel. The bulletin included no record of a vote; the council is scheduled to consider the item at the June 16 meeting.
