Lancaster City Council Supports Wheel Tax; Mayor Against It

The Lancaster Common Council has indicated they support a $20 municipal wheel tax that would take effect January 1st, but Mayor Dave Varnum says he’ll veto it. In a 6-2 vote, Shayne LaBudda, Stuart Harper, Bob Schmidt, Matt Pennekamp, Katie Reuter and Joel Ingebritsen directed the city’s attorney to draft an ordinance for an annual wheel tax, while Brett Rollins and Rose Oliveto voted against it. The draft ordinance is expected to be considered by the council at its November 16th meeting. If Mayor Varnam issues a veto, it only could be overridden if six council members vote do so. Public Works Director John Hauth said the funds would be used for the city’s street paving program, which historically had been funded by using general obligation debt proceeds.