BATAVIA, Ohio -- Clermont County drivers will soon pay an extra $5 on their annual vehicle registration to fund road repaving projects.
Commissioners approved the increase Wednesday, and it will go into effect Jan. 1. The extra $5 on vehicle registrations will essentially double the repaving budget.
Earlier this year, County Engineer Patrick Manger detailed funding struggles that would leave roads decades past their life cycle. Money from Ohio's gas tax and registration fees have stayed flat since 2007 while the cost of asphalt has more than doubled, Manger said.
With the current revenue levels, Manger said county roads could be repaved roughly every 38 years while the standard is every 10 to 12 years.
The county had three public meetings before Wednesday's vote.
"Keeping our roads in good condition, and resurfaced on a regular basis, is important to our residents and our employers," Commission President Ed Humphrey said in a prepared statement. "This increase will allow the County Engineer to repair roads more quickly, and make them safer for every driver."
Commissioner David Painter said fixing roads was the top concern he heard from residents. Commissioner David Uible wants state lawmakers to find a more long-term fix, as more hybrid and electric vehicles will mean less gas tax revenue.
Hamilton County also passed a $5 increase to fund some of its major projects, including a replacement for the Western Hills Viaduct.
