Lawrence reopens hearing on proposed wheel tax, refers proposal to budget committee

On July 16, 2025, the Common Council of the City of Lawrence reopened a public hearing on Proposal 4-20-25, an ordinance to impose a municipal wheel tax and a motor vehicle license excise surtax and to create two related city funds. The council heard one in-person public commenter and then referred the proposal to the Budget Administration Committee for further review.

Madam Clerk read the ordinance title into the record as “Proposal number 4, 20 25. An ordinance of the common council of the city of Lawrence, Indiana imposing a municipal wheel tax and motor vehicle license excise surtax in creating the City Of Lawrence wheel tax fund and the city of Lawrence motor vehicle license excise tax fund.” The council president reopened the advertised public hearing that had begun at the July 7 meeting.

Daniel Rapp of 5718 Waldenwood Drive told the council he had two comments about the proposal. “I take it it is to to raise taxes that you need revenue for the city of Lawrence,” Rapp said, and asked why taxes would be raised if, he said, police wages were already funded in the budget. He also suggested the wheel tax could serve as proof of residency because it would appear on vehicle registration receipts: “This will be a good proof of residency for the City Of Lawrence,” Rapp said.

The clerk reported there were no public comments on the Microsoft Teams chat. After public comment closed, the council referred Proposal 4-20-25 to the Budget Administration Committee for consideration; no adoption vote was taken.

The referral means the proposal will next be considered in committee rather than by the full council. The council did not set a date for the Budget Administration Committee’s review during the meeting.