Explanatory Statement:This ballot measure will impose a two cent per gallon tax on motor vehicle fuels sold within the city limits of Woodburn. It is in addition to the existing one cent fuel tax approved by city voters in September 1989. Proceeds from this fuel tax, estimated to be approximately $220,000 per year, will be dedicated by ordinance to the resurfacing and repavement of existing city streets. The working title of the ordinance is, in fact, the "Woodburn Pavement Preservation Ordinance". Over 48% of Woodburn's street mileage has not been resurfaced in more that 20 years and some 12% has not been resurfaced in over 35 years. Allocation of funds will be prioritized based on need and age of streets citywide. Examples of streets in need of repair include, but are not limited to, portions of Evergreen, Lincoln, Umpqua and South Settlemier, as well as James, Johnson, Myrtle, Columbia and Linda Streets. Technical experts note that the rate of pavement deterioration accelerates drastically after it reaches a certain age, depending on volume of use and other factors. The cost of reconstructing a deteriorated street can be up to five times higher than normal pavement protection done in a timely manner. Proceeds from this tax will not be used for construction of new streets or related improvements. New construction, major upgrades or capacity improvements are funded from different sources, including the city's Traffic Impact Fee imposed on developers, which cannot be used for routine maintenance. The proposed fuel tax will not be used to improve streets that should properly be funded by Local Improvement Districts (LIDs). Developers are required to construct new residential streets to city standards prior to dedicating them for public use. Fundamentally, growth is expected to pay its own way. The city council has determined that a "user charge" funding source of this nature is a preferable alternative to a property tax or bond for street purposes, because it bears a clearer correlation to travel and driving habits. This tax will be paid by those who use the streets, including those who are merely visiting but also contribute to the wear and tear of the streets. It is estimated that some 75% of fuel sold in Woodburn is purchased by non-residents. The need for this additional funding has been discussed for over four years in connection with the city's transportation planning process. In cooperation with local fuel dealers and the dealers' statewide association, the city council delayed a similar measure, originally scheduled for the May 1997 election. This was to allow for legislative implementation of a statewide transportation funding package that would have been of equivalent benefit to Woodburn. No such package resulted, and Woodburn's street repair needs continue to grow. The ordinance reflects the governing body's intent to repeal this fuel tax if and when a regional or statewide transportation funding package is enacted which is determined to provide the City of Woodburn revenues equal to or greater than would be generated by this tax. Submitted by: Chris Childs, City Administrator City of Woodburn
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