License plates could cost drivers more in Miami County

A new $5 license tax may be coming to Miami County soon.

The Miami County commissioners agreed this week to hold public hearings June 19 and 26 on a request by the county engineer to implement a $5 supplemental license tax to generate more money for county road maintenance.

The hearings will be held at 9:10 a.m. both days in the commissioners hearing room at the county Safety Building in Troy.

Engineer Paul Huelskamp has asked the commission to consider approving the tax the past two years. Most recently, the request came in March when he presented his annual road report.

State law allows counties to pass the additional $5 tax following public hearings. Huelskamp said the tax would bring in another $600,000 each year.

In his report, Huelskamp said the county paved 24.55 miles in 2017 at a cost of $1,642,670. He noted, however, the industry standard for repaving is every 10 years. To meet that standard, the county would need to pave about 42.35 miles per year.

Huelskamp said the added money would help the county get to a 15-year cycle.

The $5 added tax has been passed by larger counties, including neighboring Montgomery County. Warren County commissioners also have scheduled public hearings on the $5 added tax for June.

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