Plan Would Offset Lost Road Funds
By Kristen Mack
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 16, 2008;
Car and truck registration fees might go up 58 percent in Prince William County, as supervisors look for new ways to raise money for road projects.
The Board of County Supervisors is considering increasing the vehicle license tax to $38 from $24 to make up for millions lost for major transportation projects. The decal fee would rise from $12 to $19 for motorcycles and scooters.
Supervisors bought temporary goodwill last year by not raising the fees by a smaller amount. But that decision is coming home to roost, as the county seeks a larger increase than originally expected.
"We didn't consider it last year," said Christopher E. Martino, the county's director of finance. "We are now considering this as an additional funding source. We have way more road projects than we have money."
If passed, the fees would go into effect July 1. They are expected to generate $4 million a year. The board is scheduled Tuesday to set a public hearing on the increases for April 7.
Supervisors are searching for ways to make up for lost revenue from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and $26 million in lost recordation taxes over the next five years. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled Feb. 29 that the landmark transportation package approved by the General Assembly last year illegally shifted responsibility for raising taxes and fees to the transportation authority, a body that is not elected.
That decision eliminated an anticipated $45 million annually for road projects in Prince William. It affects projects on Prince William Parkway and routes 28 and 1.
"We are going to have to regroup on a lot of things depending on what General Assembly does," Martino said.
Source :
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/14/AR2008031404623.html |
