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Veteran urges clarity on 'road fee' after losing permanent disabled-veteran tag; asks county for accessibility improvements
Summary
John F. Wible, a long-time Greenville County resident, said state changes to permanent disabled-veteran license tags forced him to retag and pay a road fee and taxes; he asked the council to check with state delegation and urged improved ADA accessibility and mobility assistance at county facilities.
John F. Wible, introduced at the forum as a long-time resident and former HOA president, used his public comment to raise concerns about changes to disabled-veteran license tags and a state-imposed "road fee." He said the change required him to retag his vehicle, costing roughly $140 to retile, plus about $26.50 in tax and a $25 road fee, and reported confusion at the DMV over exceptions for 100% permanent-and-total veterans.
Wible asked why the charge is called a "fee" rather than a "tax," noting that state and local taxes are often deductible on federal returns; he suggested labeling it as a tax could make it deductible for some taxpayers. He said he intended to raise the matter with state delegates and urged staff to confirm whether an exception exists for 100% permanent-and-total disabled veterans.
Wible also described accessibility concerns at county facilities, including a lack of electric mobility devices available for visitors and a perception that private security staff did not assist disabled visitors. He suggested county staff consider additional mobility options and more active assistance for people arriving at county buildings.
Wible closed with broader remarks about housing prices and impact fees, warning that reappraisals and fee policies can affect local affordability.
Why it matters: The comment raises questions about state-mandated fees that affect disabled veterans and highlights visitor-accessibility concerns at county facilities; the council indicated it would look into the matter and asked Wible to provide documentation or allow staff to follow up.
The council thanked Wible for his testimony and offered to review the issue further with staff and, if appropriate, relay questions to state delegates.
