Shawano County officials will hold an informational meeting about the reasons behind a proposed wheel tax and take public comment on the issue Feb. 20.
The meeting will be held 3:30-6 p.m. in Rooms A and B of the Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St.
Representing the county will be: Tom Kautza, chairman of the county board; Jim Davel, administrative coordinator; and Grant Bystol, highway commissioner.
County supervisors are considering a $20 annual tax to fund highway and bridge improvements. They were scheduled to vote on the measure in January but delayed the matter until the Feb. 26 meeting; they also said a public information meeting should be held before the board meets.
With about 37,350 eligible vehicles in the county, a tax of $20 would generate $747,000 in annual revenue.
State law exempts the Amish and farmers driving agricultural equipment on roads from a wheel tax. Tribal members living on tribal trust land, such as the Stockbridge-Munsee, are also exempt.
City of Shawano residents now pay an annual $40 wheel tax.
Davel has told supervisors several times the county needs to be creative about increasing its revenues as expenses continue to climb.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
County to host informational meeting about wheel tax
