The DeKalb County Council held a special meeting on July 31, 2025, to discuss the proposed wheel tax, a topic that has sparked significant community interest and concern. The meeting featured public comments from residents expressing their views on fiscal responsibility and the management of county funds.

Lynn Reinhardt, a local resident, raised concerns about the county's spending practices, specifically highlighting a nearly $10 million expenditure on a new highway maintenance facility. Reinhardt questioned the county's ability to maintain roads effectively, citing a recent high bid acceptance for a roofing project on a covered bridge that was significantly above the lowest bid. He emphasized the need for more careful financial decision-making before imposing additional taxes on residents.

Reinhardt also pointed out the increasing gas tax rates and questioned the prioritization of road maintenance projects, particularly mentioning a recent chip and seal project on County Road 50 that he deemed unnecessary. He expressed skepticism about the county's budget for road maintenance, suggesting that the current allocation of $3.5 to $4 million for chip and seal work would not suffice to meet the needs of roads rated below a five on the county's scale.

Mark Myers, another resident, shared his perspective on the wheel tax, expressing concern about fairness in taxing those who drive less versus those who contribute more to road wear. He highlighted his own situation, where he owns multiple older vehicles but drives only a limited number of miles each year. Myers urged the council to consider the impact of the tax on residents with varying levels of road usage.

The meeting concluded with additional comments from residents, including Mark Coburn, who voiced his opposition to the proposed wheel tax, citing concerns for family members of all ages. The council's discussions and the residents' feedback underscored the community's apprehension regarding the financial implications of the proposed tax and the need for transparent fiscal management moving forward.

As the council continues to deliberate on the wheel tax, the feedback from the community will likely play a crucial role in shaping their decisions and addressing the concerns raised during this meeting.