Decatur Hikes Gas Tax

Motorists in Decatur will pay more at the pump after the City Council approved a new gas tax to help fund road improvements. The council voted Tuesday to impose the local tax beginning April 1. The tax is 5 cents per gallon for unleaded gasoline and 1 cent per gallon for diesel. It will expire in 10 years unless the council votes to extend it. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe says the city ``got to fix our streets.'' She says she hopes the funds will help create jobs for local people who work in road construction and repair. Several residents say they've seen too many increases in taxes and fees in recent years. Resident Charlotte Pickett says Decatur has been ``taxed to death.''