Bend Voters To Decide On 5 Cent Gas Tax

Residents in Bend will decide Tuesday on a ballot measure for a new 5 cent per gallon fuel tax.

The Bend city council voted to put the 5 cent per gallon fuel tax to voters to help fund an $80 million backlog of street maintenance that was deferred during the recession.

The proposal is supported by a number of local leaders and organizations, and opposed by some small businesses.

If the fuel tax passes, it's expected to generate $2.5 million each year. It would need to be reauthorized by voters in 10 years.