SNOHOMISH — Before a decision is made whether to place it on the ballot, the City Council wants to hear people’s views on a proposed sales tax increase to pave roads, build a roundabout and make other road improvements.
The council acting in its role as Transportation Benefit District board voted 5-2 this week to have public hearing on the issue at its May 3 meeting.
Members Greg Guedel and Lynn Schilaty voted against.
The ballot proposal calls for a 0.2 percent sales tax increase for 10 years. Currently, Snohomish has a sales tax of 8.6 percent, the same as in Monroe and Marysville.
The $660,000 estimated annual revenue from the increase would pay for street maintenance and repairs. It will also help pay for two traffic projects to help ease congestion in the city.
These projects are a one-lane roundabout at the intersection of Bickford Avenue and 15th Street SE and adding an extra lane at the intersection of 30th Street and Highway 9.
The proposed roundabout would cost about $700,000. The extra 300 feet of lane at 30th Street would cost about $500,000.
The city has to get the ballot measure approved by May 24 so it can be in the Aug. 16 primary.
Alejandro Dominguez; 425-339-3422; adominguez @heraldnet.com.
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