Mailing tax refunds to Richland County residents who were mistakenly billed an expired fee on their car taxes this month will cost almost $17,400.

Wednesday, at the request of Auditor Paul Brawley, County Council passed a resolution affirming that the mass transit fee had expired June 30.

Brawley’s office sent out July car taxes with the fee of $5 for private vehicles and $7.50 for business vehicles. He said he wanted proof the fee was repealed.

About 23,000 taxpayers were affected.

Treasurer David Adams figured sending out refunds would cost $17,391.80 for printing, postage, checks and staff time.

-- Dawn Hinshaw