033-19 - Resolution - Opposing Initiative 976 Seeking to Repeal Authority to Impose Certain Vehicle Taxes for $30 TabsRESOLUTTON NO. 033-19
A RESOLUT ON OF THE C W OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON OPPOSING
INITIATIVE 976, AN IN TIATIVE SEEKING TO REPEAL AUTHORITY TO MPOSE
CERTAIN VEH CtE TAXES, CHANGE VEHICLE VATUAT ON LAWS, AND t M T
MOTOR VEHtCtE LTCENSE FEES TO 530.00.
WHEREAS, Washington lnitiative 975 is an initiative to the Legislature that was filed for
consideration in the zOLg legislative session. The Legislature took no action on the initiative, so
it will be presented to voters during the next general election in November 2019; and
WHEREAS, if passed, the immediate impact to cities would be a repeal of the authority
for city transportation benefit districts (TBDs) to impose a car tab fee. Under current law, cities
have the authority to establish TBDs for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, providing, and
fu nd ing transportation improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Orchard adopted Ordinance 027-L5 to establish the City's
TBD; Ordinance O2O-L7 authorized the City to assume all the rights, powers, and functions of
the TBD; and Ordinance 019-15 authorized the City to impose a vehicle license fee of SZO with
collections beginning in 2OL7; and
WHEREAS, the TBD revenue in the City of Port Orchard provides a budgeted amount of
SSSO,OOO for the 2OL9-202O biennial budget for transportation improvements and
maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Orchard strives to maintain and continuously improve its
transportation infrastructure for the benefit of its residents and employers; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and the City Council recognize lnitiative 976 would have
extremely negative impacts on the City, County and State transportation infrastructure,
including the loss of the TBD revenue which is critical for funding transportation improvements
in the City; and
WHEREAS, RCW 42.L7A.555 permits the City Council to oppose a ballot proposition at
open public meetings so long as notice of the meeting includes the title and number of the
ballot proposition and those expressing an opposing view are afforded an approximately equal
opportunity to express an opinion; now, therefore,
THE C TY COUNC L OF THE C TY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASH NGTON, HEREBY RESOTVES
AS FOLLOWS:
THAT: The City of Port Orchard confirms its opposition to lnitiative No. 976, which will be on the
statewide ballot in November 2019, as it would cause extreme harm to the development and
Resolution No. 033-19
Page 2 of 2
maintenance of our transportation infrastructure, thereby jeopardizing economic growth and
quality of life in the City of Port Orchard and throughout the region.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Port Orchard, SIGNED by the Mayor and
attested by the Clerk in authentication of such passage this Sth day of October 20L9.
Robert P ansuu, Mayor
T
ra Rinearsor, MMC, City CIerk
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