Mattawa residents may vote on sales tax increase for transportation
Mattawa residents may be asked to vote on a proposal to raise the city sales tax to provide funding to the city’s Transportation Benefit District.
FILE PHOTO
MATTAWA — Mattawa residents could be voting on a proposal to raise the sales tax for its Transportation Benefit District in November. Mattawa City Council members voted March19 to authorize a one-tenth of one percent increase in the sales tax, with the money going to the TBD.
Council members also voted to impose a vehicle fee, which starts at $20 and can be increased after two years.
“Typically, (the money) is what is used for cost sharing on projects for roadways, sidewalks and so forth,” said Public Works Director Juan Ledezma. “Restricted use, basically.”
The district can impose a sales tax of up to three-tenths of one percent, but anything over one-tenth of one percent must be approved by voters. Mayor Maria Celaya said city officials are considering a proposal to raise it to three-tenths of one percent that would go on the November election ballot.
The TBD also has the option to impose a vehicle fee, which starts at $20. After two years the fee can be raised to $40. Two years after it’s been raised to $40, it can be raised to $50, which is the maximum allowed in the city ordinance.
The Transportation Benefit District was established in 2015. It's a separate entity that can impose a sales tax and vehicle license fees, among other options. Any money raised through the district can only be spent on transportation projects, according to information from the Municipal Research Center.
The district is separate from the city, but its boundaries coincide with those of the city.
There are limits on the duration of a sales tax imposed by a TBD; typically they expire after 10 years. They can be renewed for additional 10-year periods by district voters.
All money raised through a TBD must be spent on transportation-related projects, including road construction and maintenance, and ways to improve traffic safety and traffic flow. The money can also be used for sidewalks and bike lanes and improving public transportation.
In other business at the council meeting, Ledezma told council members that the annual spring cleanup is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10 and 11. People can dispose of bagged yard waste, appliances and furniture. The drop-off spot will be at 710 First St., the city water tower.
Anyone dropping off materials must reside in Mattawa and provide a recent city utility bill or current identification with a Mattawa physical address. Cost is charged by the vehicle.