Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council introduces new $20 annual wheel and motor vehicle excise tax.
The proposed tax would generate an estimated $90,000 annually to help the town qualify for state road and bridge matching grants.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
VideoWatch the meeting videoYouTubePDFView minutes PDFocrPDFView minutes PDFocrHighlights
Key Highlights
- 01Council introduces new $20 annual wheel and motor vehicle excise tax.
- 02Council accepts $116,589.15 bid for Fire Station roof replacement.
- 03Council adds $244,215.10 to Local Roads and Street fund for paving.
- 04Town Manager announces grim budget work session for next meeting.
Written for residents
Summary
The proposed tax would generate an estimated $90,000 annually to help the town qualify for state road and bridge matching grants.
The council introduced Ordinance 2025-18, which would establish a $5 wheel tax for commercial vehicles and a $15 motor vehicle license excise surtax for passenger vehicles, totaling $20 per vehicle annually. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained that state law requires local units to adopt such taxes to be eligible for local road and bridge matching funds. Council President Scott Oldham and member William Ellis expressed frustration, stating that state mandates (SB 1) force local tax increases to maintain essential services like road paving, snow removal, police, and fire. They noted that without this tax, the town would lose eligibility for significant grants, averaging $250,000 annually, and face severe service cuts. A resident from the Chamber of Commerce Board offered to help with public education on the issue. The council will vote on the ordinance at its next meeting.
The council voted 4-0 to accept a $116,589.15 bid from Integrity Exteriors, LLC to replace the Fire Station roof. Town Attorney Darla Brown explained that the lowest bid, $93,500 from AMI Roofing, was deemed non-responsive by Fire Chief Kevin Patton because it lacked required components such as flashing, snow and ice guards, and ice and water shields. Fire Chief Kevin Patton later stated he would explore financing the roof repair over three years to avoid depleting the Cumulative Building and Equipment fund, which is used for fire truck maintenance.
The council added $244,215.10 to the Local Roads and Street fund. Street Commissioner Kip Headdy explained this was a transfer of funds to pay the contractor for completed paving work under the Community Crossings Matching Grant.
Town Manager Mike Farmer announced a budget work session before the next meeting, warning that projections for the next three years are
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve the payment of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Resolution 21-2025 Additional Appropriation Local Roads & Street
Approval of an additional appropriation to the Local Roads and Streets fund to pay for the Community Crossings Matching Grant, covering paved streets.
Resolution 22-2025 accepting bid from Integrity Exteriors, LLC to replace Fire Station Roof
Approval to accept the bid from Integrity Exteriors, LLC for the replacement of the Fire Station Roof. The lowest bid from AMI Roofing for $93,500 was deemed non-responsive due to missing required elements, leading to the acceptance of the next lowest bid.
Also discussed
Budget Discussions (No Vote Taken)
Ordinance 2025-18 Imposing a Wheel Tax and Motor Vehicle License Excise Tax
Estimated: $90,000?
Discussion on the first reading of an ordinance to establish a wheel tax ($5 for commercial vehicles) and a motor vehicle license excise surtax ($15 for passenger vehicles), totaling $20 per vehicle annually. This is required for eligibility for local road and bridge matching funds. Baker Tilly estimated annual revenue at just under $90,000. The ordinance will be voted on at the next meeting. Council members expressed concerns about state mandates shifting tax burdens to local governments and the necessity of this tax to maintain services.
Financing for Fire Station Roof Repair
Estimated: $116,589?
Fire Chief Kevin Patton discussed financing the approved fire station roof repair over three years to avoid depleting the Cumulative building and equipment fund. He plans to obtain financing numbers and explore options to spread the cost, potentially paying it off in two years if possible, to maintain a cushion in the fund.