Wauwatosa residents may soon face another tax increase as the city mulls over a $15 vehicle registration fee, just after proposing two referendums totaling $124 million. While the referendum is still under consideration, the city is already looking to raise funds to address infrastructure and traffic issues, leaving many questioning why additional taxes are needed.

According to a recent community survey, 60% of residents see street maintenance as a priority, while 57% want better traffic and congestion management. If approved, the $15 vehicle fee, in addition to the already existing $30 Milwaukee county wheel tax, is expected to generate around $407,000 in 2025, which would be directed toward road repairs and traffic calming measures. City officials hope to address reckless driving through initiatives like installing bump-outs and increasing pothole repairs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

While the city emphasizes that this fee would help prevent further road deterioration, residents are wary of more financial burdens and why the issues can’t be solved with current tax revenues. The vehicle registration fee is just one part of the city’s broader efforts to secure funding, alongside the large referendum that’s still on the table.

Discussions on the vehicle fee are set to continue throughout October and November, with the Financial Affairs Committee and the Common Council expected to weigh in. Residents are encouraged to participate in these meetings to share their opinions before any final decisions are made on the budget and potential new fees.