Facing a $3 million shortfall, the county Budget and Finance Committee on Thursday night unanimously approved a $30 wheel tax increase.
A resolution will be presented to the full Warren County Commission for the $30 increase later this month.
If approved, the measure would double the current wheel tax from $30 to $60. It would increase the total annual cost to register a vehicle in Warren County to $89.
The wheel tax increase proposal comes as county Finance Department director Justin Cotten says county government is facing a $3 million shortfall this coming fiscal year.
To increase the wheel tax, county officials can place a referendum before the voters, or they can pass a wheel tax on their own with two passing reads, both of at least two-thirds majority of the County Commission.
For Warren County, with 24 commissioners, that would require at least 16 votes.
For a more in-depth look at the county budget, be sure to catch Sunday’s edition.