Understanding Evansville's New Wheel Tax For Road Improvements

Evansville residents have made their voices clear: For the love of Pete - fix the roads. Now, city leaders say they’re ready to take real steps toward doing just that.

Evansville Plans Wheel Tax to Fund Major Road Repairs

A new plan called “Paving the Way” was announced to support stronger, safer streets across Evansville. Basically, the initiative will propose a wheel tax that would give the city a reliable source of funding to improve aging and damaged roadways.

Why Is Evansville Introducing a Wheel Tax?

The condition of Evansville’s roads has been a top concern for years, but the city simply hasn’t had enough funding to make lasting improvements. Currently, Evansville only has about $3 million each year to work with for street repairs, plus an additional $1.5 million from state Community Crossing grants.

But it’s not nearly enough.

According to city officials, the bare minimum needed to prevent roads from getting worse is $12 million per year. To fully restore streets, experts estimate Evansville would need $15 to $20 million annually over several years.

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PHOTO: GOOGLE MAPS OAK GROVE CONSTRUCTION

What Is the Wheel Tax and What Will It Cost?

The proposed wheel tax would apply when Evansville residents renew their vehicle registration through the Indiana BMV starting in 2026. Here's what drivers can expect to pay each year:

$15 for motorcycles
$25 for passenger vehicles (cars and SUVs)
Up to $35 for heavier trucks

That breaks down to just over $2 per month for most drivers.

Where Will the Money Go?

Every dollar collected from the wheel tax will stay in Evansville and go directly into the city's Road and Street Fund. The money cannot be used for salaries or other non-infrastructure expenses.

What Will Be Fixed First?

Before implementation, Evansville will publish a list of planned projects and continue to provide annual updates on how the money is used. Residents can track the progress and view upcoming improvements at evansville.in.gov/fixtheroads.

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What Happens Next?

The proposed ordinance will be introduced at the next Evansville City Council meeting by councilors Ben Trockman, Missy Mosby, Zac Heronemus, and Paul Green. If approved, the wheel tax would go into effect in 2026.

Mayor Stephanie Terry says the goal is to create real, lasting change.

“We all drive the same roads, and we all feel the impact when they fall into disrepair. This step ensures we can take real action beyond patching potholes.”

30 Evansville Street Names Folks Have a Hard Time Pronouncing

Struggling with Evansville's confusing streets? I promise you're not alone. Here's a list of 30 of the most often mispronounced streets, avenues, and roads.

Gallery Credit: Bobby G.

Then & Now - Evansville's Washington Square Mall Through the Years

Evansville is home to a lot of unique buildings including the first enclosed retail shopping center in Indiana. Yes, our very own Washington Square Mall was the place to be when it opened in 1963. If you walk through the mall today, you would never guess how alive the shops were, even through the 1980s. Enjoy this walk down memory lane I've put together, and maybe someday there will be new life inside 5011 Washington Ave.

Gallery Credit: Liberty

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