LAKE STEVENS — Voters in Lake Stevens and Stanwood will decide on sales tax measures to pay for transportation projects.
In Lake Stevens, the city is seeking approval of a two-tenths of one percent sales tax increase. If approved, the measure would create a Transportation Benefit District. The tax revenue would go to maintaining streets, sidewalks, trails and more.
The increase amounts to an extra 2 cents on a $10 taxable purchase, or 20 cents on $100.
The 10-year tax is expected to generate an estimated $1.5 million a year, according to the city. In a survey earlier this year, respondents listed three top transportation projects: sidewalks to schools and around the lake; street maintenance for high-volume roads; and more walking and biking paths.
“This funding method ensures visitors who shop, dine, and recreate in Lake Stevens also help pay for city sidewalks, roads and trails they use,” the city said in a news release on Monday.
In the survey, respondents preferred the sales tax option over a $20 vehicle registration fee that would only apply to city residents. The tax would also help the city leverage grant funding.
In Stanwood, the city is asking voters to renew a similar measure, also a two-tenths of one percent sales tax. Voters first approved the tax in 2013.
If approved, the measure would last another 10 years and raise about $550,000 annually to improve streets and sidewalks.
In the past decade, Stanwood has spent about $3.6 million on more than a dozen pavement preservation projects; six sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act improvement projects; and LED lighting upgrades, according to a news release.
The city has also used about $2.1 million for matching funds for state and federal transportation grants. Projects have created more than 5 miles of new or resurfaced roads, about a half-mile of new sidewalks and 153 ADA-compliant ramp upgrades.
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