HomeMy WebLinkAbout072325 email - Press Release_ Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Jefferson County – Join a Ballot Measure Committee!Good afternoon,
Jefferson County is seeking volunteers to serve on “For” and “Against” committees for a potential Transportation Benefit District (TBD) ballot measure. These committees will draft the
official voter statements that appear in the local voters’ pamphlet for the November 4, 2025 General Election.
The proposed measure would add an additional 0.2% sales tax in unincorporated Jefferson County, or two cents for every $10 spent, for county road system preservation and safety. Per
Ordinance 10-1216-24, which established the county’s TBD in 2024, transportation improvements funded by the TBD shall be made in an effort to reduce the risk of transportation facility
failure and improve safety performance, increase operating efficiency, and preserve and maintain optimal performance of the infrastructure over time to avoid expensive infrastructure
replacement in the future by prioritizing investments in programs that provide:
(a) Transportation System Preservation. Preserve, operate, maintain, and/or improve existing transportation infrastructures.
(b) Transportation System Safety. Improve the safety performance and security of those who use the transportation system.
TBD-funded work is primarily used for pavement preservation treatments such as chip sealing and paving, bridge maintenance and repairs, and drainage repairs. Funds may also be used for
safety-related items such as guardrails, pavement markings, and signage on the county’s 400-mile road system. This revenue could be used to provide matching funds for transportation
projects and to help fund emergency repairs. Following establishment of the county’s TBD in 2024, a 0.1% TBD sales tax was established by resolution. This proposed ballot measure would
add another two-tenths of one percent, bringing the TBD sales tax to the full 0.3% authorized by statute.
By state law (RCW 29A.32.280), the county appoints both a pro (For) and con (Against) committee before the measure is placed on the ballot. This is your opportunity to ensure the community’s
voice is heard. The committees are responsible for drafting statements and rebuttals per the following schedule:
• Committee statements (max 250 words) due: August 12 by 4:30 PM
• Optional rebuttal statements (max 75 words) due: August 15 by 4:30 PM
Once formed, each committee may recruit additional members. If you're passionate about transportation, public policy, or civic engagement, we encourage you to apply! Please communicate
your interest as soon as possible by email to cao@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:cao@co.jefferson.wa.us> or by phone to 360-385-9100.
The Board of County Commissioners is expected to consider a resolution on August 4 to place this TBD sales tax measure on the November ballot. The submittal is due to the Auditor’s Office
on August 5.
For more information about ballot measures, visit the Elections page on our website: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1275/Jr-District-Information.
The 2025 Election Guide for Jurisdictions provides additional information and instructions related to ballot measures and committees: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/19812/2025-Elec
tion-Guide-for-Jurisdictions.
To see this press release on our website, click here <https://co.jefferson.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1582> .
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Thank you,
Liz Anderson
Communications Specialist
Jefferson County
360-774-0554 (direct line)
Ext. 183 for internal use
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