Decatur council passes wheel-tax ordinance on first reading, then tables it pending public hearing

The Decatur Common Council on Aug. 5 introduced Ordinance 2025-5, a proposal to impose a municipal wheel tax and a motor vehicle license excise tax, approved it on first reading by a 4–0 vote and then tabled further consideration until the council’s next meeting.

Mayor Rickord and council members said they were reluctant to add new local taxes but noted that adopting a local ordinance would be required to access certain state funds earmarked for road improvements and public-safety projects. The council voted 4–0 on the measure’s first reading, with Council Member Scott Murray recorded as absent; members then voted to table the ordinance until Aug. 19, 2025. City Attorney Anne Razo announced a public hearing on the matter for Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.

Why it matters: The ordinance would create a City of Decatur Wheel Tax Fund and a Motor Vehicle License Excise Tax Fund, tools the city can use to collect a locally imposed fee and to draw down state transportation funding that, officials said, could be used for road maintenance and safety work. Council members framed the choice as weighing new local revenue against pressing infrastructure needs.

What the council said: Council members spoke in terms of caution about new taxes while acknowledging funding shortfalls for streets. The transcript records that "the Mayor and Council Members noted they were not in favor of adding additional taxes, but road improvements and public safety were key factors to consider." The council did not adopt a final tax rate or effective date at the Aug. 5 meeting.

Next steps: The council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-5 on Aug. 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. for public comment and further deliberation. The ordinance remains in effect only after subsequent readings and any final council vote.