11/05/09 - Gibson County

By: Nick Austin
naustin@wbbjtv.com
7:45 p.m.
 
After large budget cuts and a weak economy over the past year, the Gibson County Commission is in need of money.  The general fund is low, and to make up for lost revenues an increase in the wheel tax has been proposed.  The current wheel tax is $35, but if the proposal is passed the tax would cost vehicle owners another whopping $50 each year.  That would make the new tax more that double the current one.
 
County services that would benefit from the potential monies are the fire, highway, and sheriff's departments to name a few.  The funds from the increased tax would allow these services to continue operating smoothly and at the level to which residents are accustomed.  An eight cent property tax was proposed at the last commission meeting as a way to generate revenues, but that was voted down.  Also, there are about twice as many registered vehicles in Gibson county as there are property owners, leading at least one commissioner to believe that the newly proposed increase is the only solution.
 
"I think if you can say fair and tax in the same sentence, the most fair tax would be a wheel tax increase," said county commissioner Jim Overall.
 
One resident disagrees and thinks the commission should be spending its time differently.  "What they need to do is they need to be worrying about bringing jobs to Gibson county so people can work.  And if people are here working, then they won't mind paying a wheel tax," said Gibson county resident Charles King.  Not everyone feels that way, however.  One resident commented off-camera that he is not totally opposed to an increase, saying that money for the county has to come from somewhere.
 
The commission will discuss the proposal at its next meeting on Monday, November 9.