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DECEMBER 13, 2011 11-556 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED________LOST___X_____LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
LACK OF SECOND
PURPOSE: SET ADVISORY REFERENDUM TO CREATE MUNICIPAL VEHICLE
REGISTRATION FEE (WHEEL TAX)
INITIATED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER POESCHL
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that the proper City officials are hereby authorized and directed to place the
following question on a referendum ballot to be voted on at the time provided by statute for
holding the spring election, April 3, 2012.
Should the City of Oshkosh Common Council adopt an ordinance to create a
municipal vehicle registration fee of ten dollars ($10) annually on motor vehicles registered
and customarily kept in the City of Oshkosh with such exceptions as are required by state
statutes, which fee shall be directed for use by the City for transit system operations and
which shall not act as a set off to funds traditionally appropriated to the Oshkosh Transit
System?
Yes _____ No _____
CITY HALL
215 Church Avenue
P.O.Box 1130
Oshkosh,Wisconsin
5 903-1130 City of Oshkosh
MEMORANDUM
OfHKO.IH
Date: December 7, 2011
To: Mayor & City Council
From: Bob Poeschl, Council Member
Subject: PROPOSED ORDINANCE FOR MUNICIPAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE(WHEEL TAX)
As you know, I am the sponsor of the ordinance that was brought forward to the Council from the Transit
Advisory Board, recommending the enactment of a wheel tax in the City of Oshkosh. Like other Council
Members, I have received a great deal of feedback, questions, and concerns regarding the wheel tax and
its proposed use. While I feel that the wheel tax is a legitimate option to address transportation funding
needs in the city, particularly for transit, I also recognize the controversial nature of this issue. Therefore,
I have consulted with City Attorney Lorenson, and I have asked that this ordinance be withdrawn. As a
result, this ordinance will not be on the December 13th Council Agenda for second reading and
consideration.
In place of an ordinance to enact a wheel tax, I have asked the City Attorney to prepare a resolution
asking that Council authorize a referendum on the April 2012 ballot, asking city electors to weigh in on an
advisory referendum for a wheel tax. I believe that an advisory referendum is appropriate at this time,
given the potential loss in funding for transit, and the needs that have been identified in the Transportation
Development Plan (TDP) for some type of evening transit service. With these funding needs, I believe
that a wheel tax is a legitimate option for the city to consider, and I believe that it is appropriate to seek
our constituents' input on this matter.
I appreciate the consideration of my fellow Council Members in placing this matter before the voters in
the April, 2012 election. I look forward to discussing this issue with you at our December 13th meeting.
Cc: City Attorney Lynn Lorenson
City Manager Mark Rohloff
Transportation Director Chris Strong
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