DeKalb County Council is at a critical juncture regarding the implementation of a wheel tax, a decision that could significantly impact local road and bridge funding. During a special meeting on July 31, 2025, council members discussed the necessity of both an excise tax and a wheel tax to qualify for essential community crossings grants.

The excise tax applies to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and smaller trucks, while the wheel tax targets larger vehicles such as trucks over 11,000 pounds and buses. Both taxes are intertwined; if one is passed, the other must be as well. This requirement has put the council in a tight spot, as previous attempts to introduce the wheel tax have been defeated.

The council has until September 1, 2025, to pass the wheel tax if they want it to take effect by January 1, 2026. If they miss this deadline, the tax would not be implemented until January 1, 2027. The rates for the excise tax can range from $7.50 to $50, while the wheel tax could be set between $5 and $80, depending on whether the county has an asset management plan in place.

Council members emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that the first year of tax collection would not yield immediate funds, as revenue would only be available in 2027. This timeline adds pressure to the council as they weigh the financial implications for the community and the need for improved infrastructure funding. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future of DeKalb County's road maintenance and development efforts.