Drivers in Luzerne County may soon find themselves paying a little more money each year when registering or renewing their vehicle registration.
A bill passed last year allows PennDOT to add a new fee that would collect money for county roads and bridges.
As of January 1, counties in Pennsylvania can adopt an ordinance that charges drivers an extra $5 a year when registering a vehicle. The money would go toward fixing county-owned bridges and roads, and it's something that could be happening in Luzerne County.
"I don't like it. I'm retired and paying enough taxes," said Alden resident Larry Nagle.
If the ordinance is approved by county council, PennDOT would collect the fee from drivers and then give the money to Luzerne County to be used to repair and maintain county-owned roads and bridges.
"If it went directly to our roads and bridges, I would be for it, as long as it didn't go into somebody's pocket," said Jim Cragel of Hunlock Creek.
The chief engineer for Luzerne County tells Newswatch 16 there are 127 miles of county-owned roads and 311 county-owned bridges.
Residents, including Jim Cragel, say the roads around the county could use a little help.
"Oh, they need a lot of work. Our roads are about the worst there is."
A Luzerne County council member tells Newswatch 16 if this ordinance is adopted, it could bring in more than $1 million every year to Luzerne County.
There is a 90-day waiting period, according to a council member, so the ordinance would not go into effect right away. While some drivers are against paying the extra $5, others say they don't have a problem with it.
"They're going to get it one way or the other, whether it is from the gas tax or this $5 extra fee, so I'm OK with the $5 extra fee," said John Mack, Bear Creek Township.
Luzerne County Council will discuss this ordinance Tuesday night, but a council member says they won't be adopting the ordinance at that session.
It is something that could be voted on in the coming weeks.
