PASCO, Wash. – The Pasco City Council is exploring new funding strategies to address a budget shortfall for road projects.
One option that was discussed during a city council workshop meeting last month was a Transportation Benefit District (TBD), which could generate dedicated funds for transportation improvements.
The TBD would allow for flexible funding options, such as a vehicle license fee up to $50 or a sales tax up to 0.1%, without voter approval. This funding could support roadway preservation, safety projects and transit-supportive infrastructure.
Anti-tax activist Tim Eyman, known for his $30 car tabs campaign, traveled from Western Washington to voice his concerns during public comment at Monday night’s city council meeting.
Eyman said he has not paid registration fees in six years in protest of additional fees. He explained that during the August 25 workshop meeting, the council had seemingly already decided to impose some form of tax.
“Well how about you don’t do it at all. But if you are going to do it, let’s listen to the public first. They haven’t had anything like that. It was a total secret meeting. And here it is, three weeks later, and only now will they allow the public to comment on it,” Eyman told the council.
Councilmember Peter Harpster clarified that the decision is still under consideration.
“We will absolutely take public comment from the public at least one time,” Harpster said. “Oftentimes we do it multiple times and, in between now and then, I know a lot of us are receiving calls and emails from our constituents wanting to discuss this item.”
Harpster also mentioned that this topic was discussed at a retreat earlier this year, which people attended. He noted that public comment is available after every item at workshops following an amendment to council rules passed a year and a half ago.
