FITCHBURG, Wis. (WKOW) -- People who own a car in Fitchburg will soon have to pay $40 each year. City Council approved a new wheel tax during its meeting Tuesday night.
The city proposed the new tax after voters rejected a $3.6 million operating referendum last fall. The new fee is projected to bring in about $1 million in revenue each year, but the city can only use that money on transportation related expenses.
Fitchburg's mayor, Julia Arata-Fratta, cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the measure 5-4. She joined Alders Joe Maldonado, Bill Jetzer, Gabriella Gerhardt and Donald Dantzler Jr. in supporting the wheel tax.
"I want to assure you this decision was not made lightly, but rather as a necessary measure to address our city's financial needs," Dantzler Jr. said in a written statement. "As an elected representative, I remain committed to responsible stewardship of your tax dollars while confronting our fiscal realities. Fitchburg's continued growth demands expanded city services, and we must ensure sustainable funding for these essential needs."
He said 13 counties and 43 other municipalities in Wisconsin already have a wheel tax. He said he believes that's indicative of "a broader funding challenge. Dantzler is encouraging people who live in Fitchburg to share their opinions on municipal funding with state lawmakers.
Alders Dave Herbst, Jay Allen, Jim Wheeler and Nicole Vafadari voted against the wheel tax.
The new fee will go into effect on August 1.
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