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HENDRICKS COUNTY

Brownsburg to retain $735,772 in vehicle tax revenue after council approves $25 wheel tax and excise surtax for 2027

Brownsburg Town Council voted 3-2 Aug. 27 to adopt a $25 municipal wheel tax and a $25 vehicle excise surtax that take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The town will collect funds that previously flowed to Hendricks County and create separate municipal accounts for the revenue.

BUSINESSINDY BRIEFBy BusinessIndy Editorial StaffSeptember 4, 2026 at 2:47 PM EDT

The council approved ordinances that replace the county-administered wheel tax and excise surtax for Brownsburg residents; rates remain $25 for each tax but proceeds will be retained by the town rather than Hendricks County. Council debate focused on whether to lower the rates before adoption; motions to reduce the taxes failed and the final vote was Simpson, Hohman and Lacey in favor, Adams and Tschaenn opposed.

Town officials told the council Brownsburg received $735,772 in combined wheel-tax and excise-surtax receipts last year and said adopting municipal taxes preserves eligibility for certain state transportation grants. The measures were advanced ahead of state filing requirements for 2027 changes and will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.

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