Ballot Measure - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What is the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District?

The City established the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District on August 7, 2024 to prioritize key street repairs, road pavings and other critical infrastructure projects. On September 19, 2024, the City assumed responsibilities of the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District. This structure streamlines the management of funds collected for street improvements, ensuring more efficient use of government resources. 

How is the retail sales and use tax collected? 

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.

What is Stevenson’s current sales tax rate?

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.

How much revenue would Proposition 1 generate?

The proposed retail sales and use tax would generate approximately $270,000 annually over the next 10 years and would go toward the Stevenson Transportation Benefit District to fund projects listed in the City’s adopted Transportation Improvement Program.   

How would the Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition fund street repairs, snow plowing and pedestrian safety? 

Right now, projects outlined in the City’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and regular street maintenance and services are funded solely through the Street Fund. Establishing a dedicated funding source for TIP projects through the Transportation Benefit District would reduce financial competition among projects and allow the City to address both TIP projects and regular maintenance like street repairs, snow plowing and pedestrian safety simultaneously. 

How would the Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition reduce utility rates? 

Currently, the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) receives supplemental funding from the City's General Fund. Approval of Proposition 1 would establish a dedicated funding source for TIP projects, reducing the need for supplemental funding from the General Fund. This would allow the City to re-allocate those funds to the Sewer Fund, lowering sewer rates for residents.  

When did the City last analyze its water and sewer infrastructure? 

Between January through May 2024, City Council extensively analyzed the City’s water and sewer infrastructure, revealing the need for immediate and long-term improvements due to population growth and increased usage. To fulfill these upgrades and ensure long-term sustainability of the City’s infrastructure, City Council adopted an updated fee schedule with the contingency that the increased rates would be less costly for residents if the proposition is approved by voters.

The updated fee schedule and Water/Sewer Scenario 2 adopted in May 2024 are available here.

Who will oversee the usage of sales and use tax revenue?

The City Council would oversee the usage of sales and use tax revenue. This aligns with established practices for all City finances and taxes.  

What could happen if the Stevenson Utility Rate Reduction, Street Repair, Infrastructure Investment Proposition does not pass?

Between January through May 2024, City Council analyzed the City’s water and sewer infrastructure, revealing the need for immediate and long-term improvements due to population growth and increased usage. These needs require adequate funding on an ongoing basis. If the proposition does not pass, the City would be forced to delay the essential maintenance and improvements that were identified, which could result in even higher costs in the future.