Marshall County Commissioners to consider doubling buggy license plate fees

The Marshall County Commissioners will consider increasing the cost of buggy licenses.

During a recent subcommittee meeting, Highway Superintendent Jason Peters mentioned that increasing the license plate fees for Amish buggies was proposed.  The suggestion was to raise the fee from $50 to $100. He asked the commissioners for their opinions.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon initially believed that the County Council had to increase the fees for Amish buggies as they oversee tax rates.  Bohannon stated, “This is not a tax; it is a fee, so it falls to us according to the ordinance.” 

The history of buggy license plates dates back to about 2015, when a fee of $50 was established.  Bohannon mentioned that neighboring counties with significant buggy traffic have all set their plate fees at or above $100. 

Bohannon proposed starting the process by considering increasing buggy plate fees from $50 to $100.

Peters asked whether the increase needed to go before the County Council, and the commissioners stated that, as a courtesy, they would like him to present the idea to the council.  

County Commissioner Stan Klotz also mentioned discussing the increase with the Amish bishops in the area to give them a “heads-up” on the proposal to raise the fee. 

County Attorney Sean Surrisi will present a new ordinance draft at the upcoming commissioner’s meeting on Monday, April 22.