Sultan considering transportation district to fund road work

Published 12:01 am Monday, August 15, 2011

SULTAN — The City Council is considering creation a transportation benefit district to help fix streets in need of repairs.

Before making any decision, the council wants to listen to what people think at a public meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in the council chambers at 319 Main St.

“We ha

ve about five miles of roads that are badly deteriorating,” city administrator Deborah Knight said.

Those repairs could cost up to $5 million, funds she said the city doesn’t have.

Currently, the city only has money for sealing parts of city streets each year and fixing potholes.

“We are not going to the roads that are falling apart. That’s why we are considering creating a Transportation Benefit District,” Knight said.

The council would vote to create the Transportation Benefit District Board, made up of the council members, at a later date. Discussion on ways to raise revenue would not begin until next year, Knight said.

Among the things being considered is raising vehicle license tabs by $20 either by the City Council or by a public vote.

A third option would be a voter-approved bond.

If Sultan chooses to create a Transportation Benefit District, it will join other governments including Snohomish, Edmonds, Lynnwood and Snohomish County. The city of Snohomish approved a ballot measure increasing sales tax by 0.2 percent, which will be decided by the voters in Tuesday’s election.

Sultan does not get enough revenue on its sales tax, so this option would not be considered, Knight said.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.

Have your say:

Comments are being accepted about the proposal for a Transportation Benefit District at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at the City Council chambers, 319 Main St.

For more information, contact city administrator Deborah Knight at 360-793-2231 or email deborah.knight@ci.sultan.wa.us.