APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The city of Appleton is considering making residents pay more tax on their vehicles.
The move would be a 50% increase per vehicle — which would be collected every time a vehicle is registered. The change would help pay for road construction projects in the city.
The city of Appleton is considering making residents pay more tax on their vehicles. (WLUK)
The resolution, however, seems unlikely to materialize, with the finance committee Monday voting to recommend denying the plan.
“How about we look at all the other ways that we could try to cut budgets, save money, figure out other ways, other funds, other places that we can find funds,” Appleton Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim said.
The tax would increase from $20 to $30 per vehicle, and according to state law, the dollars collected from it could only be used for road repair projects.
“A way to address our roads in general, trying to keep up the pace with inflation and construction costs,” Appleton Alderperson Nate Wolff said.
According to a memo from Public Works Director Danielle Block, Appleton collected over $1.2 million last year from its wheel tax. This proposed increase would add about another $645,000 to that.
Wolff, the resolution’s author, believes that makes a wheel tax preferable to other options.
“A lot of people can’t afford a bill for $20,000 to fix their part of a street or cul du sac,” Wolff said. “This is a better alternative to say the ARPA funding because that is a one time payment.”
With a 3-2 vote against, the majority of the committee voiced concern for the plan. Residents of Appleton also appear to be split.
“When a young person that wants to buy a home, start a family, with a job paying 60,000+ a year, says Appleton is too expensive, that should be a warning sign,” Walter Blank said.
“The state has not fully funded the things it needs to so I would encourage you to support the wheel tax increase,” Nancy Jones said.
“For my additional fee, am I receiving additional services or better roads, better streets? No,” Brian Garrow said.
Appleton instituted the free in 2014, and it has not been increased since. Over 40 municipalities across the state currently have wheel taxes of their own, ranging from $10 to $40,
The resolution will go before the full common council for a vote. That will take place June 5.
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