MT. VERNON, Ind. (WFIE) – The Mount Vernon City Council approved its second reading of a proposed wheel tax Wednesday night.
The proposed ordinance would apply a flat fee per vehicle to fund street and curb repairs.
Rates would vary by vehicle. A passenger car would be $25.
Officials say the estimated funds raised from the tax would be around $157,000 annually and would be a necessary step to remain eligible for future Community Crossings grant money.
Some who attended the meeting were against the tax, but Mayor Steve Loehr says the city has to support itself before receiving outside help.
“We have to fight for ourselves. We can’t, you know, if we’re not willing to fight ourselves then why should we expect INDOT and the state of Indiana to fight for us. They’re not. So, I get that, and I hope people understand this is what this is about,” he said.
The third and final reading will be at the next council meeting.
It’s set for July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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