Title
Discussion of Oregon City’s Utilization of Clackamas County's Proposed $0.06/gallon Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
This item is to help guide staff via City Commission discussion, to form ongoing strategies for Transportation Project funding and prioritization.
BACKGROUND:
Clackamas County has placed a $0.06/gallon motor vehicle fuel tax that will sunset after 7 years on the November, 2016 ballot. The County has proposed to split the revenues from the fuel tax with the Cities of Clackamas County, with 60% being dedicated to the County and 40% dedicated to the Cities. The 40% of the fuel tax revenues generated would be distributed to the Cities based on population. The preliminary revenue estimate provided by Clackamas County is estimated to generate a total countywide annual revenue of $9 million with Oregon City’s distribution being $593,899 annually.
Staff have considered the spending strategy for the new fuel tax revenue and recognize that public demand for transportation improvements vary amongst the transportation options (driving, transit, biking, and walking) and across the Oregon City community. Project options range in size from one all-encompassing large project in one location to multiple projects spread throughout the City. The County has selected the strategy of a set list of projects (7 projects) using firm project estimates.
Given the timing of the November election and the limited amount of packaged projects and established/vetted project estimates, staff recommend a more broad and responsible strategy for Oregon City. The revenue disbursements are projected to begin in early 2018 with 6 month disbursements occurring thereafter. Oregon City would have ample opportunity to work with the Community to further refine a spending plan.
In the mean time staff recommend a proposed transportation capital improvement spending strategy that focuses first on project categories and project examples. Assuming th...
Click here for full text