Elkhart County Wheel Tax

Since it's enactment in 2004, there has been a great deal of confusion about what the Wheel Tax is, and why and how it came to be. We hope to clear up this confusion by answering the questions most often asked about this tax. 

Wheel tax background:  Prior to 2003, there was no need for a wheel tax.  The Local Road and Street Fund provided sufficient funds for road resurfacing projects in Elkhart County .  Beginning in 2002, The State of Indiana reduced the Local Road and Street  Account Funding for all counties in Indiana .  The reduction to Elkhart County resulted in a loss of $1,800,000.  The funds lost were dedicated to road resurfacing.  This loss in revenue prompted the need for the wheel tax beginning 2004.

Why do we need the wheel tax?  The County maintains approximately 1100 miles of paved roads.  Assuming a 20 year life cycle between paving intervals, the County needs to resurface 55 miles per year.  The 2007 bid cost for road resurfacing (regrind, repave, and shoulder gravel) averaged nearly $100,000.00 per mile.  To keep Elkhart County roads on a 20 year resurfacing lifecycle requires $5,500,000 per year (55 miles x  $100,000.00 per mile) Wheel Tax revenues alone are not keeping pace with the road resurfacing needs of the County.  Other sources of revenue will have to be used to supplement the shortfall, and County roads must be maintained at a high level that results in a longer interval (greater than 20 years).

Where does the wheel tax go?

100 % of the funds collected are used for road resurfacing programs.  NO FUNDS are used for trucks, computers, additional employees, fuel, or any operational costs. Elkhart County Council, Commissioners, and Highway Administration are all committed to dedicating Wheel Tax funds to road resurfacing.

How does the wheel tax benefit me?  Everyone expects to drive on smooth roads. Smooth roads provide for safe travel, a comfortable drive, economic benefits, and quality of life.  Elkhart County Highway is committed to preserving our roads for the future by committing the wheel tax to road resurfacing and maintaining Elkhart County roads in the best condition possible!