Amid more backlash, Cudahy Common Council passes $25 wheel tax to make up some of steep budget gap

CUDAHY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- There was a lot of anger in Cudahy Tuesday night, Jan. 20, as the Common Council discussed a new wheel tax that would be the most expensive in the state.

That tax was originally tabled back in November, and people thought it was gone for good. But it was back on the agenda Tuesday.

It was a messy meeting, full of infighting on the council and anger and interruptions in the audience.

The Cudahy budget is in trouble: the city needs to either raise revenue or cut some services. And most people at the meeting did not want to pay more money.

A $50 wheel tax proposal on every vehicle in the city has been loudly opposed, first back in November and again Tuesday. Fourteen people spoke out against it; just one person spoke for it.

If the wheel tax were not approved, the city says it would not fill a police officer position, a position in the clerk’s office would be cut, the building and vehicle maintenance budgets would be cut, and smaller public works projects would be cut.

But later in the meeting, there came a twist. Alderwoman Miranda Levy proposed a $25 wheel tax as a temporary solution.

Those in the gallery were not happy with that proposal either, but it came after public comment so they could not weigh in.

The $25 tax was ultimately approved, but the revenue expected to be generated is still not enough to maintain all services.

That capped a night where no one seemed happy.

Jim Buss opposed the $50 wheel tax. He told the Common Council, “I’m kind of surprised that we all have to be here again, because back in November, I thought we sent a pretty clear message that the community doesn’t want a wheel tax.”

Eva Hubbard also opposed it, saying, “I can’t even afford to live in the city anymore. We’re going to probably have to sell the rental and I’m thinking about selling my home. Which, like I said, I thought the only way I would leave that house is feet first.”

After passing the $25 compromise amount, the council went through the jeopardized services to see what would still need to be adjusted.