New Terre Haute wheel tax ordinance held over to July 9 without a vote

What happened

Mayor Brandon Sakbun's office told the council the new city wheel tax ordinance needs two fixes — naming the specific fund required under state law and locking in a multi-year rate schedule — so the item won't move forward until the July 9 meeting. Mayor's office explains the delay, 43:40 The draft plan would hold the fee flat at $15 per vehicle through 2028, then raise it to $17 in 2029. Proposed rate schedule, 44:10 Staff also said enacting a city wheel tax qualifies Terre Haute for a separate pot of state road funding — estimated at about $400,000 — that's only open to cities that have their own wheel tax. State funding estimate, 44:46

Who it affects

Anyone who registers a vehicle inside Terre Haute city limits — this fee, still being finalized, would apply once the ordinance passes. Proposed rate schedule, 44:10

The outcome

No motion was made and no vote was taken; the council will hear the ordinance again on July 9. No motion; returns July 9, 47:34

Sources

• Mayor's office explains the two fixes needed, 43:40
• Proposed rate schedule: $15 through 2028, $17 in 2029, 44:10
• State funding estimate tied to enacting a city wheel tax, 44:46
• No motion made; returns July 9, 47:34

Also known as: wheel tax · city wheel tax · vehicle registration fee Terre Haute · General Ordinance 6 2026 · car tag fee · will tax