The Martin County Board of Commissioners is keeping the county’s $10 wheelage tax in place for now. During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners discussed whether the tax is still needed after the county implemented a half-cent transportation sales tax last year. County Engineer Kevin Peyman said the wheelage tax generates about $220,000 annually and helps fund road and bridge projects. While some commissioners favored eliminating the tax to reduce costs for residents, the board agreed to revisit the issue in July of 2027. Commissioners also continued work on the 2027 budget, which currently includes a proposed levy increase of just over 7.5 percent. Officials said the final levy could change as additional health and human services costs are determined. In other action, the board approved a tax abatement for a new home in Tenhassen Township, authorized $60,000 in Local Housing Trust Fund grants for Habitat for Humanity homes in Truman and Sherburn, approved the purchase of new sheriff’s department radios, and accepted a report from the county’s summer intern.
