PORT TOWNSEND – Regardless of the outcome of Proposition 1 in next week’s election, Jefferson County voters are likely to decide a second identical sales tax increase measure in February.
The measure would raise county sales tax by 0.3 percent — the same amount as that specified in Tuesday’s general election measure Proposition 1 — but while the general election measure would support county government, February’s would go to the public bus service.
The Jefferson Transit Board will consider putting a sales tax hike on the Feb. 8 ballot when it meets at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Mountain View Commons, 1919 Blaine St.
Like the county’s measure on the general election ballot, the February proposal would raise county sales taxes 3 cents for every $10 purchase.
Proceeds would go to the maintenance of transit routes and keeping current service levels.
The message is identical to that used by the county in support of Proposition 1: If this measure does not pass, then services will be cut.
“I have my eye on the target and will do everything I can to get this passed,” said Jefferson Director Transit Director Peggy Hanson.
“If it does not pass, I will need to begin cutting routes and services immediately.”
Hanson had presented the proposal to the board in July for inclusion on next week’s ballot but it declined to approve the action so as not to compete with Proposition 1.
Proposition 1 would raise the Jefferson County sales tax rate from the present 8.4 percent to 8.7 percent, or 3 cents for every $10 purchase.
Forty percent of the tax increase revenue, projected to be $1,062,000, would, by law, go to the city of Port Townsend, which has agreed to use half of its share to support the Port Townsend Community Center and Memorial Field for up to four years.
The remainder of the revenue would go toward helping to fill the county’s projected shortfall of $900,000.
If approved, the new sales tax would take effect April 1.
If both the county and transit measures are approved, Jefferson County’s tax rate would rise to 9 percent.
Hanson said “it will make no difference” to the transit proposal whether Proposition 1 passes or fails and that she will not change her strategy, which is to convince the public to support transit service with a tax increase.
If passed, the measure will generate an estimated $1,134,000 per year for the transit system.
Hanson said this revenue would support full preservation of current service levels, provide matching funds for federal grants and pay for the replacement of buses and vans.
Since taking the helm of Jefferson Transit in May, Hanson has implemented several cost-cutting measures, including a salary freeze for executives and unpaid staff furloughs.
Hanson plans to hold several public hearings to discuss the proposal.
The measure is expected to share the Feb. 8 ballot with school facilities and equipment levies in the Chimacum and Port Townsend School Districts.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
