The Sacramento City Council was set to vote on a controversial “crash tax” earlier this week, but it was removed from the council’s agenda hours before the vote was to have taken place.



The crash tax would have charged individuals who do not live in Sacramento additional fees if they are at fault in an accident. The fees would range from $435 if a fire crew is called, $680 if a fire is put out, $1,875 if the jaws of life are used, to $2,275 if a helicopter is called to transport an injured individual. The fines would be a way of recovering some costs for fire and police services. The city estimates the crash tax would generate $1 million in revenue per year.



However, critics of the plan point out that insurance companies could end up paying the fines, which would result in increased insurance rates for everyone. Critics also point out that the plan would discourage visitors and could hurt small businesses who operate a fleet of vehicles in nearby cities.



If the measure passes, Sacramento will be the largest city in the country with a crash tax. Loomis, Roseville and Stockton already have a crash tax in place. Eight states currently have laws against crash taxes. The fees would begin October 1.