BEND, OR -- City officials are hoping regular citizens will take an active role in creating proposals to fund Bend street improvements. According to City Manager Eric King, a number of local groups are already expected to participate, including the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Commute Options and Bend 2030. "We’ve asked them to send a representative. And then, we have a few open slots that we’ve advertised for and we encourage citizens to go onto our website and apply to be a part of that group. We’ll select those folks at the end of this month or the first part of September. Our intent is to have our first meeting on September 14." He says they're looking for a variety of participants, ranging from a local gas station owner to a small business that relies on fuel.
Bend Residents Wanted for Gas Tax Discussion
King tells KBND the City Council’s tight vote in favor of putting a gas tax on the March ballot does not mean it’s a done deal. "It was really an intent. They didn’t really make any move to put something on the ballot. There’s actual ballot language, a whole other step that would have to take place. So, if that scenario plays out that the committee comes up with something other than a fuel tax and it has traction and support, I think Council would be interested in seeing what that recommendation would be and perhaps could support it." And, if a local gas tax is chosen as the best option to fund road improvements, King says more discussion would follow before anything goes to the ballot. "Council needs to adopt a resolution and that resolution has the ballot title language, and that goes to the County Clerk. That would turn over into a campaign of sorts, a Political Action Committee that would then advocate for that measure."
The Street Maintenance Funding Committee is tasked with coming up with two proposals – one with a local gas tax for approval by voters, and one without. Applications will be accepted until August 31.
