The Associated Press
FORT WAYNE — Allen County officials are pushing for an increase in local taxes on cars and other vehicles to help pay for repairs and maintenance of about 330 bridges.
The County Council is expected to vote as soon as June on the plan to increase the wheel tax and surtax. The increase must be approved by July 1 for Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches to begin collecting the higher fees in January.
Last month, county officials suggested increasing the wheel tax and surtax to generate up to $36 million over nine years — enough to pay for an estimated $31.5 million in needed repairs for bridges less than 200 feet long scattered throughout the county.
Officials said the increase is needed because the County Council eliminated a bridge maintenance fund in 2003 to free up $728,000 a year it said was needed for other things.
Although the county has traditionally maintained all bridges, the commissioners have said the county will no longer maintain spans in incorporated areas starting Jan. 1.
Representatives of cities and towns in Allen County told the commissioners that they are willing to support the increase, but that they may not be ready to return the money to the county for bridge maintenance.
The town of Woodburn has agreed to do so, officials said. But John Clendenen, president of the Leo-Cedarville Town Council, said that while his council is willing to support the increase, it is likely to keep the money so it can maintain its own bridges.
“All (our bridges) need is new guardrails. That’s not rocket science,” he said.
If more of the eight cities and towns eligible to receive wheel tax and surtax revenues choose to do that, the county would not receive enough income to keep its trained bridge engineers, said Commissioner Nelson Peters.
That would be especially true if Fort Wayne, which receives about $2 million in surtax and wheel tax revenue now, opted to keep its money. Councilman Tom Smith indicated the city will be willing to work with the county.
“I assume we’re open to just about anything,” he said.
New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald also expressed willingness to cooperate, but said he wants up-to-date inspection reports so he knows the extent of repairs needed to bridges in his city.
The surtax on cars is $7.50 and could be increased to $25. The wheel tax, $7.50 on buses and more for larger vehicles, could go up to $40. If the cities and towns support an increase, County Council could vote on it June 19.
State News
Allen County plans wheel tax boost for bridge work
- State News
-
-
Indiana election chief's voter fraud trial nears end
The political future of Indiana's top election official, and potentially his freedom, rested Friday with jurors, who were deliberating late into the evening in his voter fraud trial.
-
Man fatally shot, two Muncie police officers injured
A witness says he saw two police officers involved in a shootout with a man in a convenient store parking lot, saying it lasted about 30 seconds.
-
Cancer charity confronts backlash over grant cuts
The renowned breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure faced an escalating backlash Thursday over its decision to cut breast screening grants to Planned Parenthood. Some of Komen's local affiliates are openly upset, including all seven in California, and at least one top official has quit, reportedly in protest.
-
Brady throws NFL, feds curveball
Super Bowl officials ended up with news stories Thursday that led with Super Bowl-bound quarterback Tom Brady admitting he watched last year’s NFL championship game on an illegal website.
-
Fan Dome brings Xbox under the bubble
When it comes to marketing, Microsoft pulled out all the stops for Super Bowl XLVI. Witness the Fan Dome, the inflated bubble containing Xbox 360 Kinect games, plenty of room for players to jump up and down and do their moves, and some pumping music to elevate the experience.
-
Feds seize nearly $5M in phony Super Bowl swag
Federal officials say authorities have seized nearly $5 million worth of phony Super Bowl sportswear and merchandise in a nationwide sweep.
-
Ind. lawmakers seek to protect Fort Wayne base
The commander of Indiana Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing says the base in Fort Wayne is awaiting word on whether it will be one of military bases the Pentagon closes.
-
Super security goes into place for Super Bowl
Law enforcement officials charged with Super Bowl security are taking extraordinary measures to prevent a terrorist attack, but they’re also working to keep the event from being a field day for common criminals.
-
Indiana joins right-to-work ranks, gov. signs bill
Indiana is the first Rust Belt state to enact the contentious right-to-work labor law prohibiting labor contracts that require workers to pay union representation fees, after Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the bill Wednesday afternoon.
-
Indiana police seize 37 kilos of cocaine along I-70
State police say a routine traffic stop in eastern Indiana led to the discovery of 37 kilos of cocaine with a street value of nearly $4 million.
- More State News Headlines
-
Indiana election chief's voter fraud trial nears end
