The Associated Press

FORT WAYNE — Allen County officials are pushing for an increase in local taxes on cars and other vehicles to help pay for repairs and maintenance of about 330 bridges.

The County Council is expected to vote as soon as June on the plan to increase the wheel tax and surtax. The increase must be approved by July 1 for Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches to begin collecting the higher fees in January.

Last month, county officials suggested increasing the wheel tax and surtax to generate up to $36 million over nine years — enough to pay for an estimated $31.5 million in needed repairs for bridges less than 200 feet long scattered throughout the county.

Officials said the increase is needed because the County Council eliminated a bridge maintenance fund in 2003 to free up $728,000 a year it said was needed for other things.

Although the county has traditionally maintained all bridges, the commissioners have said the county will no longer maintain spans in incorporated areas starting Jan. 1.

Representatives of cities and towns in Allen County told the commissioners that they are willing to support the increase, but that they may not be ready to return the money to the county for bridge maintenance.

The town of Woodburn has agreed to do so, officials said. But John Clendenen, president of the Leo-Cedarville Town Council, said that while his council is willing to support the increase, it is likely to keep the money so it can maintain its own bridges.

“All (our bridges) need is new guardrails. That’s not rocket science,” he said.

If more of the eight cities and towns eligible to receive wheel tax and surtax revenues choose to do that, the county would not receive enough income to keep its trained bridge engineers, said Commissioner Nelson Peters.

That would be especially true if Fort Wayne, which receives about $2 million in surtax and wheel tax revenue now, opted to keep its money. Councilman Tom Smith indicated the city will be willing to work with the county.

“I assume we’re open to just about anything,” he said.

New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald also expressed willingness to cooperate, but said he wants up-to-date inspection reports so he knows the extent of repairs needed to bridges in his city.

The surtax on cars is $7.50 and could be increased to $25. The wheel tax, $7.50 on buses and more for larger vehicles, could go up to $40. If the cities and towns support an increase, County Council could vote on it June 19.