The Daphne City Council is considering tripling the local gas tax to help fund transportation-related projects.
An ordinance to increase the tax from one cent per gallon to three cents per gallon would add around $400,000 to the City’s transportation budget.
After considering a rate increase for the first time in over 30 years, City leadership determined the rate adjustment was the best way to maintain public streets and related infrastructure amid a growing population.
Because of a 2023 law, any additional local motor-fuel tax amount levied is required to be used exclusively for roadway, bridge and transportation purposes. Daphne has been using general fund dollars to help pay for repaving projects, so City officials said that more money in the transportation budget will mean more stays in the general fund.
The council could vote on the measure as early as January 20. If the tax were to pass, it would go into effect in April.
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