Greene County residents voted down a measure that would have doubled their wheel tax. The $20 increase lost on a vote of 6025 against, 4340 for.
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(June 1, 2012) The Greene County commission voted 18-2 (one absent) in favor of sending a proposed $20 wheel tax increase to a referendum on the August ballot
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Greene County commissioners are now considering a wheel tax increase to help the school district pay for a $1.2 million deficit.
The Greene County Commission is trying to get a referendum on the ballot that could possibly double the wheel tax from $20 to $40.
Commissioner John Waddle says the wheel tax is the best option for taxpayers.
"It's more equitable tax than a property tax. You can control a wheel tax. You don't have to own a vehicle. Property tax, you can't control that," said Waddle.
Last month, Greene County Schools said it was also considering closing an elementary school, cutting driver's ed, music at some schools and even athletics to save money.
The county commission meets Thursday at 5 p.m.
The school board meets in June to approve the budget.