PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive information about a proposed sales tax increase that is intended to fund transit operations and eliminate the need for any service cuts.
The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, in the commissioners’ chambers at the county courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St.
During the hearing, members of the public are invited to testify for or against the measure, which will raise sales tax 0.3 percent, or three cents for every $10 purchase.
The proposal is on the Feb. 8 ballot.
Jefferson Transit Executive Director Peggy Hanson said if the sales tax measure fails, up to six bus drivers would be laid off, beginning a few months after the special election.
Also, weekend bus service would be cut and create weekday schedules that would at times result in rider waits of an hour or more at bus stops, she said.
The defeat of the measure would cut Dial-A-Ride that predominantly serves the disabled and senior citizens, Hanson said.
Also affected would be Jefferson Transit service between Forks and Grays Harbor County, which Hanson calls a “lifeline.”
If the measure passes, current transit service levels would be maintained, she said.
The public hearing is a requited part of the election process, if the Board of County Commissioners intends to take a position on the measure.
The county commissioners are coming off a successful campaign to gain an 0.3 percent sales tax increase last Nov. 2.
All three commissioners are members of the Transit Board, of which they comprise a majority, and have expressed support for the measure in that capacity.
Hanson said Monday she expects to attend the hearing and present data as to what will occur with the transit system if the measure passes or fails.
Hanson is also scheduled to address the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce on the same day as the public hearing, at noon at the Elks Club, 555 Otto St.
Hanson is not allowed to advocate a position, only present statistics about service levels if the measure passes or fails.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
