Oak Harbor, Proposition 1

City of Oak Harbor, Washington (Oak Harbor Transportation Benefit District No. 1)

Proposition 1, Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements 

Measure Text

The Oak Harbor City Council adopted Resolution No. 19-16 concerning a tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use tax of two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) to be collected from all taxable retail sales in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for 10 years. Funds would be used to pay costs associated with transportation improvement projects identified in the City of Oak Harbor's Six-year Capital Improvements Plan and Streetsaver Pavement Management System.

Should this proposition be approved?

• Yes 
• No 

Ballot Title prepared by Oak Harbor City Attorney

There is no statement either in support of or opposition to this proposal

http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/street-tax-measure-a-political-target/

10-4-19 story in Whidbey News Times reports:

This sales tax increase would collect less than $1million over 10 years, to fund a “Transportation Benefit District.” The object of this district would be to repair the 8 miles of residential streets in the city which are in poor or awful condition.

Mayor Severns supports the issue but is concerned that it bumps into his re-election. Challenger Pat Harman predicts it will go down in flames. He opposes it because the transportation benefit zone was created without a public vote.  Councilwoman Tara Hizon “has been a big supporter.” She argues that this is deferred maintenance, and that good roads promote tourism. Joseph Busig agrees. Michael Crawford, Tara Hizon’s challenger, disagrees, saying people want no tax increases. Similarly, Jeffrey Mack, Joseph Busig’s opponent, opposes the street repair tax.

Most of Oak Harbor’s roads are residential streets, not eligible for state or federal funding. This measure would focus on those residential streets. I agree with Tara Hizon and Joseph Busig that having drivable streets is a form of economic development. I’ve seen the arguments that Oak Harbor gets grants for repair of its main roads, so should do the same for the residential streets. Unfortunately, there is a law against that, as mentioned above. I agree that the city has probably allowed this item to slide far too long and now you’re looking at the extra cost of dealing with that deferred maintenance. Still, it needs doing, and the only way to get there is to swallow that .2% (that’s 2 cents on every $10.00) sales tax increase. At least sales tax applies to visitors spending money in the city as well as locals.  The city has precious few options for raising the funds, and this was considered the least painful.

If I voted in Oak Harbor I would grimace, grit my teeth, and vote YES on Proposition 1.