The Yankton County Commission voted at a special meeting today to increase property taxes to fund road maintenance projects. The increase of ninety cents per thousand of taxable value is related to the transportation tax package passed by this year’s legislature. Today was the deadline to pass the tax increase.

The new tax will raise about one point five million dollars a year for the county. Two citizens spoke to the commission with concerns about the open ended tax hike.

Commissioner Don Kettering says even with the tax hike, it will take years to get caught up on road improvements.

Commissioner Ray Epp says he isn’t happy with the increase, but the roads need attention.

Commission Chairman Todd Woods says they have worked over the budget to redirect as much money as they can.

The increase was passed on a five to zero vote. The issue could be referred to a public vote through a petition process.