Wheel Tax Coming?

Tonight's County Commission agenda includes discussion and/or action on a $25 increase to the Wheel Tax.  Specifically, the agenda item calls for such a tax to be voted on in a referendum to be held in conjunction with the November 6th General Election.

Some are calling on the Commission to just go ahead and implement the increase now.  After all, if passed in November, the tax wouldn't take effect until December -- so the school system would lose 3 months of revenue.

While it seems clear the Commission is not yet ready to pass a property tax increase to fund schools and other obligations, a Wheel Tax potentially has the votes to pass.  If passed in its proposed form, the tax increase would generate $2.5 million or slightly more each year for schools.  While that's not enough to make up what the School System needs to fully fund its programs, it would generate sufficient funds to avoid layoffs this school year. 

The meeting starts at 7 PM and could have an impact on tomorrow night's Board meeting which will address the school calendar and budget.