A 4-cent-per-gallon fuel tax will take effect in Lake County beginning July 1.
The Lake County Board on Tuesday enacted the measure by a vote of 14-7. The approval was expected, as the stances of individual board members emerged during lengthy discussions last week leading to Tuesday s vote.
As approved, the tax will generate $8 million to $11 million per year to address a backlog of partially and unfunded road projects, county officials say.
The board initially considered an 8-cent-per-gallon tax, the maximum allowed under state law. The recommendation to the full board was reduced as a compromise between members who supported the tax and those who felt it would hurt people who could least afford it.