After several weeks of deliberation, the Bradley County Commission finally passed a resolution to call a referendum on the question of whether a countywide motor vehicle tax (wheel tax) of $32 should be levied for Bradley County. The vote took place during the regular voting session Tuesday afternoon.
Commissioner and Education Committee Chairman Jeff Yarber first proposed the wheel tax resolution as a solution to funding requests for capital projects by the county school system, which needs an estimated $25.
5 million for a new elementary school, improvements and expansion for Walker Valley High School and Lake Forest Middle School and land for a third middle school. If these projects receive full funding, the Cleveland City school system would receive $1 from every $3 the county raises for county schools, based on student populations. If county schools receive full funding for their projects, Cleveland City schools would gain an estimated $12 million and would use the money to build a new elementary school.
Commissioner Jeff Morelock proposed a substitute motion for a $37 wheel tax option instead of the $32 option stating, “A $32 wheel tax is not enough to fund their requests. A $37 wheel tax will support a 20-year five percent bond.”
Commissioner Adam Lowe requested a revision to not exclude motorcycles from the wheel tax by including owners to pay half of the cost of the wheel tax at registration and to include exemptions for low income elderly according to those who qualify on the trustees list.
Commissioner Morelock stated, “It’s our job to fund schools. If it was left up to me, I’d vote on a property tax increase for this to be over and done with. I’m in favor of getting something done here, whatever it takes. I agree with Mr. Lowe and his idea. I amend my substitute motion. I just want to get this passed.”
The vote failed for the substitute motion and a request was made by Commissioner Brian Smith to amend the original motion for a $32 wheel tax to include Commissioner Lowe’s revisions for $16 wheel tax for motorcycles and excluding low income elderly. It passed with a 12 to 2 vote.
Now it is up to the citizens to decide. The resolution "shall have no effect unless it is approved by a majority of the number of qualified voters of Bradley County voting in an election on the question of whether or not the tax should be approved. The voters shall vote for or against the approval of this resolution and the voting results certified by the county election commission to the county legislative body. The cost of the election, if any, shall be paid by Bradley County."
If the referendum passes, collection of the tax would begin on Jan. 1, 2013.
In other business, a dispute has arisen between Bradley County and the property owner along Elkmont Road, Dr. Jerry DeVane, regarding the amount of right-of-way, if any, possessed by the county. A safety concern has been raised by Road Superintendent Tom Collins due to trees that are along the road. In order to alleviate this safety concern, certain trees and barbed wire fencing must be removed for a distance of approximately 98 feet.
Dr. DeVane agreed to sign a quitclaim deed to the county deeding 17 feet of right-of-way from the center line of Elkmont Road. The commission passed a resolution authorizing the Bradley County attorney to enter into a settlement agreement with Dr. DeVane regarding his property to exchange a quitclaim deed executed from Dr. DeVane to Bradley County for replacement by the county of any barbed wire fencing removed by the road department that is in the right-of-way along the property, not to exceed $1,000 in replacement costs.
The Bradley County Commission will meet for a work session next Monday at 7 p.m.