WHEEL TAX information meetings SET

Next week, city officials will hold the first of five public meetings to persuade voters to approve a $20 wheel tax for Wausau residents.

Mayor Robert Mielke, along with city Finance Director MaryAnn Groat, will host the meetings ahead of the November 8 election referendum. Voters will then decide if Wausau officials can impose the fee, which would be added to vehicle registrations beginning Jan. 1, 2018 and would remain in effect for up to three years.

Public information meetings will be held on the following dates:

  • 6:30 pm Wed., Oct. 12 in the council chambers at City Hall
  • 5:30 pm Thurs., Oct. 13 in the council chambers at City Hall
  • 6:30 pm Wed., Oct. 19 in the council chambers at City Hall
  • 6:30 pm Thurs., Oct. 20 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
  • 6:30 pm Wed., Oct. 26 in the council chambers at City Hall

Mielke says the fee hike is necessary to plug a funding gap to repair and maintain city roads. The wheel tax, which would be added to vehicle registration or renewals, could raise an estimated $650,000 per year.