The City of North Bend established a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) to fund needed transportation improvements and repair of deteriorating streets and walkways. The city also needs to replace funding lost from shrinking State and Federal transportation grants and loans. This proposition helps address these transportation deficiencies and creates a revenue source that has a relatively small impact on local taxpayers.
The proposed sales tax increase of two tenths of one percent (0.002) would raise an estimated $400,000 annually during the next 10 years for the exclusive purpose of funding transportation infrastructure improvements in the city. The tax does not apply to the cost of groceries, prescriptions or gasoline. It will cost $10 for every $5,000 spent on products or services subject to sales tax.
North Bend is fortunate to have a vibrant retail core drawing tourists, recreational visitors and shoppers from around Puget Sound. A significant number of these visitors make purchases in North Bend and it is appropriate that those who impact our city streets contribute to our transportation solutions. This proposition will enhance construction and repair of roadways and maintain our quality environment, while equitably sharing the cost among those that benefit from and use our facilities.
