The plan to allow people to vote on local wheel taxes is slowly making its way forward at the Wisconsin Capitol.

There was a hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government Wednesday on the proposal from Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield.

He wants cities and counties to have to ask voters to raise or create wheel taxes. He says it’s fairer.

“This bill simply requires local officials to make their case directly to the people and ensures taxpayers have the final say at the ballot box. This added accountability and transparency in tax decisions is particularly important for those least able to absorb new costs like these wheel taxes,” Hutton said.

Right now a city council or county board could approve a wheel tax, even if the people of that community don’t want it.

The proposal comes as more communities across the state are turning to wheel taxes as a way to pay for everything from sidewalks to extra services at city hall.

In addition to requiring a vote on new wheel taxes, Hutton’s legislation gives voters a chance to end old ones.

“The bill also applies retroactively, giving existing wheel taxes 18 months to earn voter approval or be repealed. Currently, wheel taxes do not require direct voter approval,” he added.

Wisconsin lawmakers are, however, done for the year. So Hutton’s plan likely won’t see a vote until next year. It also remains to be seen if Gov. Evers would sign it if it reaches his desk.

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This article was originally published by The MacIver Institute.