What happened

The mayor told council the state now requires every local government to run its own wheel tax to keep receiving state paving dollars, so the city is creating a city wheel tax matched to what county residents already pay rather than charging both. Explanation, 2:17:52

Councilperson Cheryl Loudermilk raised concerns that the state's vehicle-registration system might misroute city residents' payments to the county instead of the city; the mayor said an audit is planned after the first few months to check. Councilperson Loudermilk's concern, 2:21:19

Who it affects

If you register a vehicle inside Terre Haute city limits, you'll now pay a city wheel tax and excise surtax instead of the county's — the city says the total shouldn't go up, but says it's watching to make sure the state routes the money correctly.

The outcome

General Ordinance 6-2026 was adopted as amended by unanimous voice vote General Ordinance 6-2026 adopted, 2:23:39, and its companion, General Ordinance 7-2026, was adopted the same way later in the meeting. General Ordinance 7-2026 adopted, 2:34:06

Sources

• Mayor explains the state mandate, 2:17:52
• Councilperson Loudermilk on BMV routing risk, 2:21:19
• General Ordinance 6-2026 adopted, 2:23:39
• General Ordinance 7-2026 adopted, 2:34:06

Also known as: city wheel tax Terre Haute · vehicle registration fee Terre Haute · motor vehicle excise surtax · is the wheel tax a double tax · General Ordinance 6 2026 · General Ordinance 7 2026