Many Vanderburgh County drivers will see their vehicles taxes go up. The Vanderburgh County Council has voted 5-2 to pass a new vehicle excise tax. Drivers must now pay 20 dollars per year on registered vehicles.
A person currently paying the minimum tax rate will see an increase of about one dollar per month.
The county is expecting to receive an additional one million dollars in revenue from the increase, all of which will go toward maintaining county roads.
Councilman Joe Kiefer said drivers should notice the higher quality of roads.
“Because we do this today doesn’t mean tomorrow we’ve got millions of dollars in our pocket," he said. "I think several years down the road, I think they’ll be able to see we’re doing better on the roads."
Councilwoman Stephanie Terry voted against the increase, saying it is not the best way to handle road maintenance.
“I understand the need, and I want to see roads improved, but I believe, and I’m hopeful that, we can further look into this for further options.," she said. "An increased tax on people that are already overtaxed just doesn’t seem right.”
The tax replaces the current vehicle surtax and wheel tax, which have not been increased since they were first implemented in 1982.