Budget Woes: Milwaukee County Exec Proposes $60 Vehicle Registration Fee Increase

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- Citing decreases in state funding for county transportation projects, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is supporting a $60 annual fee increase for vehicle registrations.

According to a report published by the Milwaukee Business Journal, the fee on vehicle registrations would raise an estimated $27 million a year, and $15 million a year for the transit system capital spending, including replacement buses, and highway, parkway and bridge construction work. About $11.5 million would pay for bus system operations and a modified version of the GO Pass system.

The increase in registration fee would increase from $75 to $135. When you also take into account the county's $20 wheel tax, Milwaukee County residents would pay $155.

Abele said earlier this year that an increase in the county's registration fee is the only option to raise revenue - stating that other options require approval from the state legislature.

This weekend, Patch.com is taking a look at what a local wheel tax would mean for your community - and your wallet.

Image: Scott Anderson/Patch.com