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License renewals increase $10 beginning in 2017

By
Mavis Fodness

An extra $10 will be charged to Rock County vehicle owners during their annual license renewals beginning in 2017.
Rock County Commissioners voted unanimously July 5 to implement the wheelage tax as an annual funding source to maintain the county’s roads and bridges.
The tax is a local revenue source allowed by state statute and is estimated to generate about $100,000 a year for the local highway department’s road and bridge fund.
County Engineer Mark Sehr told commissioners his budget has been tight and became even tighter when state legislators failed to pass a transportation bill for road repairs this year.
“We have had cash flow issues the past couple of years,” he said. “Basically since the 2014 flood.”
Instead of increasing the county share of property taxes by 2 percent, commissioners decided it was better to tax those who use the roads.
Commissioner Ken Hoime made the motion to implement the wheelage tax beginning Jan. 1, 2017.
“There’s more pluses for it than against it,” he said. “Originally I thought I would never vote for it.”
“I didn’t either,” said Commissioner Stan Williamson, who seconded the motion.
Motorcycles, motorized bikes and motorized foot scooters are exempt from the $10 annual tax along with vehicles such as farm implements where a license is not needed.
The tax stays in place until commissioners vote to repeal the tax.
In 2018 commissioners have the option to increase the tax to $20.
In other business, commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Western Community Action to jointly administer and operate the Heartland Express, Rock County’s public transit system.
The agreement is effective from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016.

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