SALEM, OR -- Local officials are urging state lawmakers to support a bill that aims to provide some local control over transit funding. Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) Transportation Manager Karen Friend testified before the House Transportation Committee, this week, advocating for HB 2745. She says its passage would allow voters in big and small cities to decide separately what they’re willing to pay for. "In some cases, it allows cities to clearly embrace the prospect of additional transit funding; in others, it allows them to clearly reject it; and yet others, it allows them to keep their options open for future consideration and to pursue funding if and when they feel the time is right."

Bend Mayor Casey Roats told the committee, "One of the things I like about it [HB 2745] is that each community can match the level of service to the amount it wants to pay for that service. So, rather than having a transit district where people all around Central Oregon would be paying the same rate through their property taxes, it gives communities like Bend the option to enhance their level of service. Whereas, members of Crook County or Jefferson County can keep their rate at the levels they think they need."

La Pine Mayor Dennis Scott also testified in favor of the bill, which is sponsored by District 59 State Rep. John Huffman (R-The Dalles). Dozens of other Central Oregon cities and organizations submitted written testimony in support of the bill, including OSU-Cascades, Redmond Proficiency Academy, Housing Works, NeighborImpact and Bend 2030.