Wheel Tax could be a way to generate revenue

Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. In this case, it might be hard to see what good a wheel tax might be, but considering gaining millions of dollars to fix roads, etc., it could be a necessity.

Commissioner Mark Horstman was vehemently against having a wheel tax imposed. He told The Versailles Republican, “I’m trying my best to circumvent the whole idea…” He also said that for the county to get the Community Crossing Matching Grant monies, they might not have a choice. The Commissioners do not make that decision but would make a recommendation to the County Council who has the final say.

Jeff Volz wholeheartedly agreed with not having the wheel tax. He said they are just in the discussion phase, but he is against it if possible.

Both commissioners said the state is basically mandating if they continue to get the matching grant money, they will have to impose a surtax or wheel tax. They have a lot of paperwork to study. Both Volz and Horstman said they will give it an intense look with Horstman saying, “I asked them to at least hold off for a year.” He told the newspaper they need a lot of time to weigh the situation and see what would be best for the residents of the county.

The Commissioners have considered buying their own paver, which Horstman said could run about $100,000. They are working closely with Jason Edwards, director of the highway department. “We are committed to paving about 10 miles of roadway each year and 150 miles of chip and seal,” Horstman noted. He said that’s about $1M and of course subject to inflation and material costs. It takes that amount of upkeep on a continual rotation to have the roads in good condition.

Editor’s Note: The wheel tax has only been discussed, and no decisions have been made.

At their June 9 meeting, Commissioners heard from Craig Herbert with Maintenance. He brought in the Plymate service agreement saying if they renewed early they would get a free first aid kit. There is no price increase. Commissioners approved linen white for the color of the clock tower on the courthouse with round fluted columns and a copper roof.
County Assessor Shawna Bushhorn brought in bids for the 4-year cyclical assessment. The bids were from Tyler Technology for $520,560.00 and Vision Government Solutions for $490,600.00. Commissioners unanimously approved the contract go to Vision Government Solutions.

Mary McCarty with the Napoleon Community Rural Water Corp. requested the county be the OCRA grant holder, which was unanimously approved.

An amendment presented by Tad Brinson with the Planning Commission, was unanimously approved. Commissioner Volz made the motion to approve the amendment, and add, Section (E) (40.5) and 80.24 (F) (40.5) of the area zoning code of Ripley County, Indiana, 2006 as amended: and codified under title XV, and chapter 156, Section 156.404 and section 156.405 (NN-1) of the code of ordinances of Ripley County, Indiana.
All three commissioners were present at this meeting Roger Gullion, Jeff Volz and Mark Horstman.