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Milwaukee County Executive proposes $60 wheel tax

The money will provide transit funding
Posted at 7:24 AM, Sep 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-30 13:15:32-04
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele wants to raise taxes on vehicle owners. He proposed a new $60 registration fee as part of his 2017 budget on Thursday. 
 
Without new revenue and some operational changes, Abele said the transit system in Milwaukee County is at risk; fares could rise, service could be cut and routes could be eliminated. 
 
Abele said the wheel tax would generate $27 million in revenue per year. That money would fund:
 
  • All of the county’s transportation infrastructure costs -- annual bus replacements, and county highway, parkway and bridge repairs 
  • Operating costs related to preserving the GO Pass -- a free transit pass available for eligible seniors or people with disabilities
  • An investment in the Bus Rapid Transit line -- a bus line that will run from downtown Milwaukee to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center and the Milwaukee County Research Park in Wauwatosa
The $60 would be on top of the state vehicle registration price ($75) and the city wheel tax ($20 in Milwaukee). In total, vehicle owners in Milwaukee would pay $155.
 
Abele said the decision to implement the "wheel tax" came after extensive community input. 
 
What do you think about the proposal? Let us know in the comments below