George ThackerDAYTON, Tenn. – Rhea County commissioners have tabled a resolution to place a wheel tax on the August general election ballot, saying they wanted more information before taking the step.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Emmaly Fisher said, “Last month, we asked that the contracts be signed so we could get costs on the building projects. Has there been any progress?”
Commission Chairman Jim Reed said there has been progress, but, “We do not have any cost figures yet.”
Commissioners have employed an architect and project manager to determine the cost of building a jail or a justice center. Estimates have ranged between $5 million for a jail and $13 million for a justice center, but officials emphasize those only are estimates.
Because no costs were available, the proposed resolution did not specify an amount for the wheel tax. The agenda item listing the resolution called for the tax, if adopted, to expire after 25 years.