SEQUIM — The Sequim City Council will give information about the city’s newly formed transportation benefit district — and hear what residents think of a possibility of a new tax — at a public meeting today (Saturday).
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Sequim Transit Center at 190 W. Cedar St.
The recent formation of the district is a possible precursor to a 0.2 percent hike in sales tax within the Sequim city limits.
The tax increase must be approved by voters. The Sequim City Council hopes to put it on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
To do so, the city must file for the ballot initiative by Aug. 12.
Mayor Laura Dubois said that she wants to hear from the town’s residents before the measure goes on the ballot.
“We’ll give information to the public, and we’ll get comments and answer questions,” she has said.
The city’s transportation improvement plan with a map, showing some $24 million in hoped-for projects related to roads, traffic, cars, bicycles and pedestrians.
Revenues from the tax, which could total some $600,000 per year, would help pay for improvements in Sequim’s sidewalks and roads, say council members.
The money also could be used as a local contribution toward larger construction projects such as finishing the Simdars Road-U.S. Highway 101 interchange.
The City Council plans to discuss the transportation benefit district and attendant sales-tax increase at its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Transit Center.
