By Amy Newsom
Correspondence
Sibley County Public Works Director Tim Becker presented information to County Commissioners from a report prepared by the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.  The report shows possible options for local transportation funding for Minnesota counties.  

Becker estimated that just to keep up with short-term repairs to county roads it will cost about $18 million or $3.6 million each year just for overlays.  He stated that right now the county collects the $10 wheelage tax which amounts to $154,730 per year.  This could be doubled to $20 to bring in about $300,000 per year.  Becker stated that the county also collects $33,833 in aggregate taxes.

 
Another possible funding option is to collect a five cent sales tax.  Becker said 48 counties use sales tax.

Find the complete story in the August 15, 2019 edition of the Arlington Enterprise.