Mayor Hogsett vetoes Marion County wheel tax, sends it back to City-County Council

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday he has vetoed a proposal in favor of increasing vehicle registration-related taxes proposed by the City-County Council.

Hogsett announced his decision in a post on X.

Proposal 192, of the Vehicle Excise Surtax and Wheel Tax, passed a council committee with a vote of 14-10 on July 6.

Under the wheel-tax proposal, most Marion County drivers with vehicles under 11,000 pounds would pay a flat $100 annual fee when registering their vehicles. Larger vehicles would be subject to the county wheel tax with a flat annual fee of $240.

Hogsett said in his announcement that he did not support the proposal, as it “adds to the increasing financial burden” that Indianapolis residents face.

“When neighbors tell me rising costs are forcing hard decisions, it is my responsibility to listen,” Hogsett said. “I will remain steadfast in pursuing a solution that not only strengthens our infrastructure, but also takes into account the well-being of our community.”

With the veto, the proposal will return to the City-County Council for reconsideration.

Statement from the Indianapolis City-County Council

The Indianapolis City-County Council acknowledges the Mayor’s veto of Proposal 192.

In accordance with the City’s legislative process, the proposal will return to the full Council for reconsideration. Following a review of the Mayor’s veto message, the Council will conduct a vote on whether to override the veto. Under Council rules, an override requires the affirmative vote of 17 Council members.

The Council remains committed to fulfilling its legislative responsibilities through a transparent and deliberative process.

In exercising this veto, we look forward to receiving the mayor’s plan to fund the city’s infrastructure improvements, as required to obtain the state matching grant. Information on the timing of the veto override vote will be communicated through the Council’s regular public meeting process.

Maggie A. Lewis, City-County Council President

This is a breaking story.

About The Author

See author's posts