Port Angeles council to put transportation tax on August ballot

PORT ANGELES — A transportation benefit district was created Tuesday by the Port Angeles City Council in preparation for an Aug. 1 ballot question on funding it with a .2 percent retail sales tax increase.

The sale tax proceeds would pay for city street maintenance and repairs on the city’s 120 miles of roads and 40 miles of alleys.

Council members at their regular meeting Tuesday night unanimously voted for the district, the board of which is the City Council.

If voters approve the hike in the Aug. 1 primary election — the ballot measure must still be written — the increase would be imposed beginning Jan. 1, 2018 and end in 2028 years unless voters renew it.

While the tax would affect anyone who buys retail goods in the city limits, council members focused on the impact of visitors who use city streets.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for citizens of Port Angeles who have had this burden on our shoulders,” Mayor Patrick Downie said after a 20-minute public works presentation, public hearing and brief discussion by the City Council.

“This will enable literally millions of people to help us do what we need to do.”

________

Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Peninsula Behavioral Health head discusses the fallout from federal bill

Anticipated cuts to Medicaid could devastate rural communities like Clallam County, leading… Continue reading

Tool library to open in Port Townsend

Drills, saws and more available to borrow

Fire restriction implemented on federal lands

Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park have restricted campfires… Continue reading

Interdependence Day celebration set for Sunday

Chimacum will host its 14th Interdependence Day celebration on Sunday.… Continue reading

Matthew P. Deines, Outgoing President/CEO, First Fed
First Fed CEO resigns

Bank begins search for replacement

PAHS class of 1975 reunion planned

The Port Angeles High School Class of 1975 is… Continue reading

Lower Elwha Klallm Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles, left, speaks about the Paddle to Elwha 2025 canoe journey as Carmen Watson-Charles, the tribe’s cultural manager, holds an informational pamphlet during a presentation to the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Thousands expected for canoe journey this month

Tribe anticipates speeches, songs and traditional dance

Glass recycling returns to Jeffco

Port Townsend, Quilcene locations available

Port of Port Townsend OKs update to its strategic plan

Commissioners discuss economic development

Reservoir project to start this weekend

Lower water pressure expected through Aug. 1

Forks institutes voluntary water conservation measures

The city of Forks is requesting residents to follow voluntary… Continue reading