Bend Holds Hearing On Proposed Fuel Tax

By Amanda Peacher (OPB)
Nov. 24, 2015 6:52 p.m.

The Bend City Council is holding a public meeting Monday to hear from residents about a proposed fuel tax.

Like many growing communities in Oregon, Bend has a big backlog of necessary street maintenance. That's why the city is talking about a gas tax to help repair roads.

City councilors previously discussed a utility fee or a marijuana tax, but the fuel tax was the preferred option. Supporters of a gas tax say that it puts some of the burden of street maintenance on visiting tourists. Opponents say the tax would hurt local businesses.  

Twenty-one cities in Oregon now impose a local fuel tax, ranging from one cent to five cents per gallon.
 
Most of the councilors expressed initial support for the tax, but wanted to hear comments at a public meeting. The City Council could vote next month on whether to put a gas tax measure on the ballot. It could go before voters as early as next spring.

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