Proposition 1: Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition

Background

In October 2024, the City Council placed Proposition 1: Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment on the February 2025 Special Election ballot.  The proposition will ask Stevenson voters to consider approval of a 10-year 0.3% (3 cents of every 10 dollars) retail sales and use tax to address essential street and infrastructure improvements. 

The Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition would generate approximately $270,000 per year for the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District. This would allow the City to allocate funds toward local infrastructure needs like street repairs, snow plowing, pedestrian safety and water and sewer upgrades. 

If approved by voters, the Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition would lower utility rates for Stevenson residents. In accordance with the updated fee schedule and Water/Sewer Scenario 2 as presented and adopted in May 2024, these increased utility rates would be less costly for residents if the proposition is approved.

How Proposition 1 will Appear on Your Ballot

• The Stevenson City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-444, a sales and use tax to fund street repairs, pedestrian safety, snow plowing, reduce sewer utility rates and generate revenue by establishing a three-tenths of one percent (0.3% or 3 cents of every ten dollars) sales tax rate within the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District ending after 10 years generating approximately $270,000 per year.

Sales and Use Tax Information

In Stevenson, the retail sales and use tax is applied to the sale of goods and services during the point of sale that occur within the City limits. The State of Washington diverts the generated funds back to the City on a monthly basis.

The maximum allowable sales tax in Washington is 10.4%. Stevenson’s current sales tax rate is 7.7%. If  Proposition 1: Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment is approved, this will increase the City’s sales tax rate to 8%. For every 10 dollars spent on retail sales and uses, an additional 3 cents will be taxed and used for the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District.

The City of Stevenson is a popular tourist destination, located within the Columbia River Gorge. According to Datafy, a travel technology company that provides insight to tourism trends, Stevenson recorded 1.2 million visitor days with an average stay of two days between September of 2023 to October of 2024. The peak visitation period is during the summer from June and September. The proposed sales and use tax would also apply to tourists, contributing to the local economy.

Election Information 

Stevenson Transportation Benefit District voters (City of Stevenson residents) will vote on the Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition during the February 2025 Special Election. Registered voters will be able to vote in the upcoming election on February 11, 2025 or sooner via vote-by-mail. 

You may vote or drop off your ballot at the County Auditor's Office or at an approved drop box location prior to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about voting in Stevenson, please visit the Elections webpage on the County’s website or contact the County Elections Department at elections@co.skamania.wa.us or (509) 427-3730.