CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A $25 increase to the county wheel tax was approved by the Montgomery County Commission at their October meeting. Revenue from the increase will be used to fund CMCSS’s growth plan, particularly the construction of a new school in the Kirkwood area.
The resolution passed 13 yes’s and 6 no’s. No votes included commissioners Ricky Ray, Arnold Hodges, Brandon Butts, Joshua Beal, Jason Knight and Garland Johnson. All commissioners were present except Charles Keene of District 2
The resolution passed its first reading in September with an amendment requiring that all revenue generated by the increased wheel tax be required to be used by Clarksville-Montgomery County School System for school debt, new construction, etc.,
A contentious start
The wheel tax increase has been a hot topic among Montgomery County residents. The last wheel tax increase occurred in 2017 when the County Commission passed an $18 dollar increase, bringing the total to $49.
With tonight’s $25 increase, the Montgomery County wheel tax is $74, among the 10 highest in the state.
The resolution initially failed in September with 10 yes’s, 8 no’s and 1 abstention; however, following the initial vote, County Mayor Jim Durrett moved to pull all resolutions related to the new Kirkwood School project on the grounds that no funding would be available, prompting Commissioner Jerry Allbert moved to reconsider the resolution.
In it’s second attempt, the wheel tax increase passed with 14 yes’s and 5 no’s. Voting no were Commissioners Rickey Ray, Brandon Butts, Joshua Beal, Jason Knight and Garland Johnson.
An exception for seniors
An amendment to the resolution, proposed by District 17 Commissioner Chris Rasnic, was passed unanimously, providing an exception to the wheel tax increase for county residents 65 years of age or older and who meet certain income requirements.
Eligible individuals will be reimbursed for the wheel tax increase, with a limit of one per household.