BEND, OR -- The Bend City Council will not put a local gas tax on the November ballot. Councilors met in a special session Monday afternoon and were split 3-4, with the majority opposed to asking voters to approve a five- to ten-cent per gallon tax.
Councilor Nathan Boddie favored the ballot measure, saying funding options are slim. "There are two options: a gas tax or slashing the public safety budget; and there's no way I'm going to support cutting police and fire. There may be some funds there, but not nearly enough. These are your two options."
Mayor Jim Clinton also voted for the measure, opposing those who want to wait to build a consensus. "I don't see why that has to be why the fuel tax has to be held hostage to making progress on this entire transportation package," He told fellow councilors.
Councilor Barb Campbell feels voters should have the final say. "I trust the voters on this one. Honestly, we all drive the streets, they know how they are."