A Wheel Tax -- Keep Kicking the Can Down the Road

The Sumner County Commission's Legislative Committee recently approved a Wheel Tax Referendum for the March 2012 election.

If passed, the tax would increase the current car tag fee to $100 from $75 and generate a measly $3 million in new revenue (the schools budget was $5 million short this year and if projected growth occurs in 2012, will be even shorter next year). The $3 million would leave the school system at least $3 million short in terms of a status quo budget. Moreover, Commission Chair Merrol Hyde made clear he would oppose and vote NO to the Wheel Tax and he and Comm. Jim Vaughn also clarified their continued opposition to any increase in the property tax.

If the full Commission approves the referendum tonight, the issue will go to voters on March 6, 2012.