Marshfield Considering Wheel Tax
Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 -- 9:49 AM
(WDLB) -Marshfield officials are exploring the idea of implementing a wheel tax to raise money for new roads.The city's Board of Public Works discussed the idea last night, but took no action. City Administrator Steve Barg said the wheel tax would apply to vehicles of eight thousand pounds or less. The city of Marshfield recently had a streets-only funding referendum rejected by voters a year-and-a-half ago. And yet, Alderman Mike Feirer says everyone he talks to wants better roads. If the city does pursue a wheel tax referendum, Alderman Chris Jockheck says it should be done next fall or later, with a pending change in the Marshfield Mayor's office, and talk of a G-O-P tax system overhaul at the federal level.
25 cities and counties have implemented a wheel tax so far, including Marathon County. There is a bill moving through the legislative process in Madison that would require a referendum to adopt a wheel tax or to keep using one that's already in place. Public hearings were recently held on the bill. Marshfield officials will revisit the wheel tax debate next spring.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.