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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 - City of Bellingham Transportation District 1 November 2,2010 Levy Passed 58.41%City of Bellingham - Transportation Dist No 1 11 /02/10 Ballot Measure Submitted Checklist == Attach to front of folder Ballot Measure Submitted: Date completed Initial Notes _10— to Submitted by: ' 10 Contact Phone #: If submitted by mail obtains this information `S©Q-r °i s i nq fio f Email Address: 10 - ( Checks signed by Commissioners �j —ID,- 10 Date Stamps Submittal, Makes copy for filer r� If Document Calling for an electioQ is included in the submittal, have Auditor or Deputy Auditor sign r 1 Prepares Ballot Measure Receipt & gives to original filer; if submitted by mail returns to submitter u}i I,L ; lii�- \ o < < With another staff members, confirms everything complete -� © Creates folder (See Steps 6-9 in PROC) P ros istric fives to CD A for review ` • V 10 -Gives copy of proposed measure to Auditor & Election Supervisor N l P- Hand delivers packet to Pros Atty Date stamps returned letter of approval from Pros Atty Routes Folder to Auditor Reviewed by Auditor; assigns number Letter sent (certified mail) to submitter after Ballot approval; mails copies to any other requestors. Completes Certificate of Mailing 61 Set -Up in EIMS Ballot Layout Created / Completed After Election Copy of Canvass Report sent to submitter of ballot issue Obtain Receipt from Treasurer & Assessor of results If school issue, send copy of canvass report to Supt of Public Instruction (form SPI M-466) FAIL SAPolicies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\02_Fiiing - Ballot Measures\FRM Ballot Measure CHECKLIST.doc Updated 4/14/2010 i CD a I Iz 't CD CIO b co 0 �o I 9 f' WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 Email: Auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us Internet: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor August 13, 2010 Joan Hoisington, City of Bellingham Attorney 210 Lottie Street Bellingham WA 98225 SHIRLEY FORSLOF COUNTY AUDITOR DEBBIE ADELSTEIN CHIEF DEPUTY Phone: 360-676-6740 FAX: 360-738-4556 RE: Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 Transportation Benefit District No. 1 — Bellingham, Washington — Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements Dear Ms. Hoisington: The following is a true copy of the approved ballot title and headings as it will appear on the ballot for the November 2, 2010 General Election: Proposition No. 1 Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Bellingham, Washington Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, adopted Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use tax of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten years for the purpose of paying or fmancing costs of the following transportation projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit service. Should this proposition be approved? Yes No This notice of the exact language of the ballot title is being provided pursuant to RCW 29A.36.080. Sincerely, Shirley Forslof Whatcom County Auditor Licensing Recording Elections Administration/Internal Audit Licensing@comhatcom,wa.us Recording@comhatcom.wa.us Elections@cowhatcomma.us 360-676-6744 360-676-6740 360-676-6740 360-676-6742 360-676-6740 ext50065 TIY 360-738-4555 WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 Email: Auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us Internet: www.co,whatcom.wa.us/auditor August 13, 2010 Joan Hoisington, City of Bellingham Attorney . 210 Lottie Street Bellingham WA 98225 G RECEIVED AUG 13 2010 City of Bellingham SHIRLEY FORSLOF COUNTY AUDITOR DEBBIE ADELSTEIN CHIEF DEPUTY Phone: 360-676-6740 FAX: 360-738-4556 RE: Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 Transportation Benefit District No. 1 — Bellingham, Washington — Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements Dear Ms. Hoisington: The following is a true copy of the approved ballot title and headings as it will appear on the ballot for the November 2, 2010 General Election: Proposition No. 1 Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Bellingham, Washington Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, adopted Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use tax of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten years for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the following transportation projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit service. Should this proposition be approved? Yes [ ] No j ] This notice of the exact language of the ballot title is being provided pursuant to RCW 29A.36.080. Sincerely, Shirley Forslof Whatcom County Auditor kt Licensing Recording Elections Administration/Internal Audit Licensing@co.whatcom.wa.us Recording@co.whatcom.wa.us Elections@co.whatcom.wa.us 360-676-6744 360-676-6740 360-676-6740 360-676-6742 360-676-6740 ext50065 TTY 360-738-4555 WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE OFFICIAL CANVASS of the General and Special Election held Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in Transportation Benefit District No. 1, City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of the district a proposition to authorize a sales and use tax of up to two -tenths of one percent to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the district for a term of ten years for transportation projects. CERTIFICATION OF CANVASSING BOARD STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss. COUNTY OF WHATCOM THIS IS TO CERTIFY that we, as the Whatcom County Canvassing Board, have completed the canvass of votes as it pertains to the General and Special Election held in the precincts within the boundaries of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington, on the 2pd day of November 2010 and the results are as follows: I City of aeliingham I Proposition No.1 Transportation Benefit District No.1 Bellingham, Washington Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Beliingham, Washington, adopted Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize as ales and use tax of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in .accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term often years for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the following transportation projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit serVice. Should this proposition be approved? YES 4= NO 4■ ACTUAL RESULTS: 4 YES — 18,013 58.41 % M4 NO — 12,826 41.59% LEVY PASSED 58.41% The canvass has been completed this 23d day of November 2010. WHATCOM COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD Whatcom Count uditor 1!-ry r C my Legislative A thority { n y Prosecuting Attorney'' "{ Page 2 �0 gEI.LIN�y 7 ISHING10 August 10, 2010 TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT No. 1 Shirley Forslof Office of the Whatcom County Auditor 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 CITY OF BELLINGHAM 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-82oo Fax (360)778-81oi Email: ccmail@cob.org Re: City of Bellingham — Proposed Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements Dear Ms. Forslof: I hereby submit on behalf of the Bellingham Transportation Benefit District No. 1 the attached copy of Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 authorizing the submission of a ballot proposition to be submitted to the qualified electors of the district at the general election on November 2, 2010 to impose up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) sales and use tax within the district for a period of ten years to fund specified transportations improvements. The following proposed sales and use tax for transportation improvements ballot title was prepared by the City Attorney in accordance with RCW 29A.36.071. Please notify the City Attorney's Office if there are any questions about the wording of the ballot titles. Additionally, we are enclosing a copy of Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-2 appointing a committee to prepare pro and con statements for the local voter's pamphlet regarding the above -referenced ballot proposition. Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. Yours very truly, Joan Hoisington City Attorney JH/sll Jack Weiss Gene Knutson Barry Buchanan Stan Snapp Terry Bornemann Michael Lilliquist Seth Fleetwood Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member 1A Ward 2°d Ward 3'u Ward 4"' Ward 5°i Ward 611' Ward At -Large 2805 Cedarwood 3035 Barkley Grove LP 2317 D Street 2620 Shepardson St. 903 Mason 1134 Finnegan Way,#303 210 Lottie Street 738-2103 734-4686 734-6639 3o5-o607 305-o6o6 920-1583 671-5599 JWeiss@cob.org GKnutson@cob.org BBuchanan@cob.org SSnapp@cob.org TBornemann@cob.org MLilliquist@cob.org SFleetwood@cob.org AUG 1 0 2010 BELLINGHAM TBD NO. 1 RESOLUTION #201t001RLEY FORSLOF WHATCOM COUNTYAUC A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1, BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON, PROVIDING FOR A BALLOT PROPOSITION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE DISTRICT ON NOVEMBER 2, 2010 TO IMPOSE UP TO A TWO -TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT (0.002) SALES AND USE TAX WITHIN THE DISTRICT FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS TO FUND SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS. WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham (the "City") approved Ordinance No. 2010-07- 040 on July 12, 2010, establishing Transportation Benefit District No. 1 (the "District") pursuant to chapter 36.73 RCW; and WHEREAS, the City's six -year (2011-2016) Transportation Improvement Program ("TIP") identifies projects that donstitute transportation improvements that may be funded by the District, including Project #1 entitled "Annual Arterial Pavement Resurfacing Program", Project #16 entitled "Non -Motorized Transportation Options", and Project #17 entitled. "Transit Enhancement Options", (collectively the "TBD Projects"); and WHEREAS, on June 21, 2010, the City conducted a public hearing in accordance with RCW 36.73.050, after giving proper notice describing the TBD Projects and activities to be funded by the District, and WHEREAS, with voter approval, the District may impose a sales and use tax upon the occurrence of any taxable event within the boundaries of the District to fund transportation improvements; and WHEREAS, the governing board of the District (the "Board") now desires to fund and implement the TBD Projects, through the imposition by the District of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) sales and use tax in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455, consistent with Chapter 36.73 RCW, upon voter approval thereof, and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Board to allocate funds from the voter approved sales and use tax in a manner that generally balances the use of the funds equitably among the three project categories identified above during the ten (10) year period of the levy; and WHEREAS, Project #1, Annual Arterial Pavement Resurfacing is a transportation improvement project of significance to the City; resurfacing of arterial streets on an ongoing basis will optimize the lifecycle of the City's existing infrastructure. Given the reduction in the current funding level available for street resurfacing projects, there is a need for the additional revenue source provided by this voter approved sales and use tax to maintain the City's infrastructure; and City of Bellingham RESOLUTION RE SALES AND USE TAX TO FUND CITY ATTORNEY SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS -1 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-8270 WHEREAS, Project #16 Non -Motorized Transportation Options responds to an important goal in the City's Comprehensive Plan, to facilitate a mode shift to more non —motorized transportation facilities, and this voter approved sales and use will provide needed funding for alternate infrastructure like sidewalk connections, flashing crosswalks, and bike facilities, and WHEREAS, projects related to public transportation are included in the definition of a transportation improvement project pursuant to RCW 36.73.015 (3), and are eligible Transportation Benefit District projects; and WHEREAS, Project #17 "Transit Enhancement Projects" has been identified as a public transportation project intended to be funded by imposition of the sales and use tax; and WHEREAS, in the event a future Whatcom Transportation Authority ballot measure is approved by voters, the Board intends to consider imposing less than the authorized two tenths of one percent (0.002) of the sales and use tax approved by voters in this ballot measure; and NOW THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1, BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1 Findines; Description of the TBD Proiects. The Board hereby finds that the best interests of the inhabitants of the District require the District to impose a sales and use tax up to two -tenths of one percent (0.002) pursuant to RCW 36.73.040(3)(a) and RCW 82.14.0455 for the purpose of providing a portion of the funds necessary to finance the TBD Projects. The TBD Projects consist of the following transportation improvement projects described in the City's six -year (2011-2016) Transportation Improvement Program, which descriptions are incorporated herein: • Project #1 entitled "Annual Arterial Pavement Resurfacing Program", • Project #16 entitled "Non -Motorized Transportation Options", and • Project #17 entitled "Transit Enhancement Options" The cost of all necessary design, engineering, financial, legal and other consulting services, inspection and testing, administrative and relocation expenses and other costs incurred in connection with the foregoing TBD Projects shall be deemed a part of the costs of the TBD Projects. The Board shall determine the application of moneys available for the TBD Projects so as to accomplish, as nearly as may be, all of the TBD Projects. In the event that the proceeds City of Bellingham RESOLUTION RE SALES AND USE TAX TO FUND CITY ATTORNEY SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS - 2 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-8270 of sales and use taxes authorized herein, plus any other money of the District legally available therefore, are insufficient to accomplish all of the TBD Projects, the Board shall use the available funds for paying the cost of those portions of the TBD Projects deemed by the Board most necessary and in the best interest of the District. The Board shall determine the exact locations and specifications for the elements of the TBD Projects as well as the timing, order and manner of implementing or completing the TBD Projects. The Board _may alter, make substitutions to and amend the TBD Project descriptions as it determines is in the best interests of the District consistent with the general descriptions provided above and in accordance with the material change policy adopted by the Board and the notice, hearing and other procedures described in chapter 36.73 RCW, including RCW 36.73.050(2)(b), in each case as the same may be amended from time to time. If the Board shall determine that it has become impractical to acquire, construct, or implement all or any portion of the TBD Projects by reason of changed conditions, incompatible development, costs substantially in excess of the amount of sales and use tax proceeds estimated to be available, or acquisition by a superior governmental authority, the Board shall not be required to acquire, construct, or implement such portions. If all of the TBD Projects have been acquired, constructed, implemented or duly provided for, or found to be impractical, the Board may apply the sales and use tax proceeds (including earnings thereon) or any portion thereof to other transportation improvements then identified in the City's six -year transportation improvement program in accordance with the material change policy adopted by the Board and the notice, hearing and other procedures described in chapter 36.73 RCW, including RCW 36.73.050(2)(b), in each case as the same may be amended from time to time. In the event that voters approve a future sales and use tax increase proposed by the Whatcom Transportation Authority to fund public transportation, the Board shall determine whether to reduce the amount of sales and use tax collected for funding of public transportation projects in the Transportation Benefit District. RESOLUTION RE SALES AND USE TAX TO FUND SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS - 3 City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-8270 Section 2. Pra� position. It is hereby found and declared that the best interests of the District require the submission to the qualified electors of the District of the proposition whether the District shall impose a sales and use tax within the limitations established in RCW 82.14.0455 for their ratification or rejection at a special election to be held on November 2, 2010. For the purpose of providing funds necessary to pay or finance costs of the TBD Projects, the Whatcom County Auditor, as ex officio supervisor of elections in Whatcom County, Washington, is hereby requested to call and conduct such special election to be held within the District on such day and to submit to the qualified electors of the District for their approval or rejection, a proposition to impose a sales and use tax up to the amount of two -tenths of one percent (0.002) of the selling price in the case of a sales tax, or value of the article used, in the case of the use tax. The tax is in addition to any other taxes authorized by law and shall be collected from those persons who are taxable by the state , under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW upon the occurrence of any taxable event within the boundaries of the District, for a period of ten years. Upon approval of the voters of the proposition hereinafter set forth, the District may use proceeds of such sales and use tax for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the TBD Projects in accordance with the requirements of chapter 36.73 RCW. The Secretary of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to certify said proposition to said official in the following form: TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1 BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON SALES AND USE TAX FOR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, adopted Resolution No. 2010-_07-040_ concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use'tax of up to two tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten years for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the following transportation improvement projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit service. Should this proposition be approved? Yes?............ No? .................. RESOLUTION RE SALES AND USE TAX TO FUND SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS - 4 City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-8270 Section 3. Corrections. The Secretary of the District is authorized to make necessary clerical corrections to this resolution including, but not limited to, the correction of scrivener's or clerical errors, references, resolution numbering, section/subsection numbers and any references thereto. Section 4. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution. PASSED by the Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, at a regular open public meeting thereof held this 9th day of August, 2010. TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DI TRICT NO. 1, BELLI GHAM WASHIN ON Chair ATTEST: reasurer APPROVED AS TO FORM: Ci ttorney RESOLUTION RE SALES AND USE TAX TO FUND SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS - 5 City of Bellingham CITY ATTORNEY 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-8270 CERTIFICATE I, the undersigned, Secretary of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, and keeper of the records of the District, DO HEREBY CERTIFY: 1. That the attached Resolution is a true and correct copy of Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 (the "Resolution"), as finally adopted at a regular meeting of the District held on August 9, 2010, and duly recorded in my office. 2. That said meeting was duly convened and held in all respects in accordance with law, and to the extent required by law, due and proper notice of such meeting was given; that quorum of the Board of the District was present throughout the meeting and a legally sufficient number of members of the Board of the District voted in the proper manner for the adoption of said Resolution; that all other requirements and proceedings incident to the proper adoption or passage of said Resolution have been duly fulfilled, carried out and otherwise observed, and that I am authorized to execute this certificate. Dated this %D -t-4 day of August, 2010. 4 ecretary i - RECEIVED SHIRLEY FORSLOF WHATCOM COUNTYAUDITOR QF 6ELL1,,C A. ASI N GAG H August 16, 2010 Shirley Forslof TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT No. 1 Office of the Whatcom County Auditor 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225 CITY OF BELLINGHAM 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360) 778-82oo Fax (360)778-81oi Email: ccmail@cob.org RECEIVED SHIRLEY FORS!_OF WHATCOm COUNTYAUDITOR Re: City of Bellingham — Proposed Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements Dear Ms. Forslof: Enclosed please find the explanatory statement for the voter's pamphlet regarding Proposition No. 1 Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Bellingham, Washington Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements. Yours very truly, Joan Hoisington City Attorney Enclosures Jack Weiss Gene Knutson Barry Buchanan Stan Snapp Terry Bornemann Michael Lilliquist Seth Fleetwood Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member 1°' Ward 2nd Ward 3 d Ward 4 ' Ward 5°i Ward 61h Ward At -Large 2805 Cedarwood 3035 Barkley Grove LP 2317 D Street 2620 Shepardson St. 903 Mason 1134 Finnegan Way,#303 210 Lottie Street 738-2103 734-4686 734-6639 305-o607 305-o6o6 920-1583 671-5599 JWeiss@cob.org GKnutson@cob.org BBuchanan@cob.org SSnapp@cob.org TBornemann@cob.org MLilliquist@cob.org SFleetwood@cob.org Bellingham voters are asked to authorize dedicated funding for priority transportation needs by increasing the sales and use tax by two -tenths of one percent (0.002). An increase of 0.002 on $300 of taxable spending amounts to 60 cents. The increase would generate about $4 million per year for street paving, non -motorized transportation projects and transit. This increase is requested by the Transportation Benefit District, governed by Bellingham City Council members acting as a separate board of directors. The boundaries of the district are the same as Bellingham city limits. The term of the proposed sales tax increase is 10 years. Bellingham voters are asked to authorize dedicated funding for transportation needs by increasing the sales and use tax by two -tenths of one percent (0.002). An increase of 0.002 on $300 of taxable spending amounts to 60 cents. The increase would generate about $4 million per year for street paving, non -motorized transportation projects and transit. This increase is requested by the Transportation Benefit District, governed by Bellingham City Council members acting as a separate board of directors. The boundaries of the district are the same as Bellingham city limits. The term of the proposed sales tax increase is 10 years. (8/16/201b) Nancy Moore - Fw: Prop 1 - Bellingham TBD - - - — !^ - — _ Page 1 From: <SLanders@cob.org> To: <NMMoore@co.whatcom.wa.us> Date: 8/16/2010 3:39 PM Subject: Fw: Prop 1 - Bellingham TBD Attachments: Explanatory Statement.docx Here's a revised one per Shirley ----- Forwarded by Stephanie L Landers/legal/cob on 08/16/2010 03:38 PM From: Stephanie L Landers/legal/cob To: NMMoore@co.whatcom.wa.us Date: 08/16/2010 03:25 PM Subject: Prop 1 - Bellingham TBD Here is the Explanatory Statement for your use. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks. Stephanie Landers, Legal Assistant Office of the City Attorney City of Bellingham 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Office: (360)778-8270 Fax: (360)778-8271 [attachment "Explanatory Statement_JK draft.docx" deleted by Stephanie L Landers/legal/cob] s Bellingham voters are asked to authorize dedicated funding foL_p=or-4y transportation needs by increasing the sales and use tax by two -tenths of one percent (0.002). An increase of 0.002 on $300 of taxable spending amounts to 60 cents. The increase would generate about $4 million per year for street paving, non -motorized transportation projects and transit. This increase is requested by the Transportation Benefit District, governed by Bellingham City Council members acting as a separate board of directors. The boundaries of the district are the same as Bellingham city limits. The term of the proposed sales tax increase is 10 years. BALLOT MEASURE Proposition No. 1 Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Bellingham, Washington Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, adopted Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use tax of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten years for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the following transportation projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit service. Should this proposition be approved? Yes _ No EXPLANATORY STATEMENT Bellingham voters are asked to authorize dedicated funding for transportation needs by increasing the sales and use tax by two - tenths of one percent (0.002). An increase of 0.002 on $300 of taxable spending amounts to 60 cents. The increase would generate about $4 million per year for street paving, non -motorized transportation projects and transit. This increase is requested by the Transportation Benefit District, governed by Bellingham City Council members acting as a separate board of directors. The boundaries of the district are the same as Bellingham city limits. The term of the proposed sales tax increase is 10 years. STATEMENT FOR: Since vehicle excise taxes were eliminated ten years ago, city transportation projects have competed with, and lost funding to, other city needs. There has never been funding explicitly for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Dozens of excellent pedestrian and bicycle projects listed in our neighborhood and city plans for decades may never get built. Some projects get done occasionally as part of street repaving, but street maintenance is now also significantly underfunded. The WTA placed a proposition on the ballot last spring to increase the countywide sales tax for bus service. 65% of City of Bellingham residents voted "YES," but the measure was defeated by county voters. The result is that Sunday services for Bellingham residents have been discontinued. The City recently formed a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) to ask city voters for a sales tax to fund city transportation projects. Your "YES" vote will give the TBD needed revenue for Bellingham transit, walking, cycling, infrastructure maintenance and safety projects. Your "YES" vote will provide resources for long-standing priority transportation needs in the City of Bellingham. TBD funds cannot be diverted to other purposes and places. We ask for your "YES" vote to support balanced transportation investments. Rebuttal of Statement Against: City officials are keenly aware of the economic challenges facing the City and its citizens. Funding raised preserves options for many hit the hardest. The non -motorized list came from our Bellingham Comprehensive Plan's full public process. The list is about safety, health, accessibility, connectivity, equity, quality of life and sustainability. It's about kids walking or cycling safely to school, seniors who can't drive, employees getting to work economically, and a lot more. Please vote "YES". STATEMENT AGAINST: The City should not rush to increase spending through a new $40 million tax. As the recession continues, it remains vital that government live within its means. Spending more now on a non -critical wish list is unwise. As families and employers struggle, City Hall should wait for economic improvement before adding to Bellingham's financial obligations. New spending shouldn't be considered until the City sets its priorities — something that hasn't happened in a decade. A Capital Needs report is due soon from a citizen's task force. Another committee may recommend increased spending for Police. Ambulance service is under pressure. Citizens may desire another Greenways levy. Is this new tax a wise investment when weighed against more important city services? Also, millions of dollars could be saved if the unions paid a fair share for their benefits. The City would save $2,270,000 annually if unions paid the same as average families for medical benefits. But Union Leadership puts their needs first, and poor management at City Hall adds to the problem. There's no need for increased spending and new taxes. Through prioritizing, we can have a top-notch transportation system, save jobs and improve our community. Please vote "No" on Proposition 1. Rebuttal of Statement For: There are more important priorities than spending another $40 million on projects like the Alabama Hill Overpass. Our neighbors are struggling, and charging consumers more at the checkstand during tough times doesn't save jobs. City Hall should work creatively in partnership with employers to create new opportunities. We'll be able to fund more transportation projects in the future if we build a stronger economic base in Bellingham. Vote NO on Proposition 1. Statement For prepared by: Committee for the Transportation Benefit District Ballot Proposition Statement Against prepared by: The Whatcom Information Center Statements For, Statements Against, and Rebuttals are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any government agency. Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 360-676-6740 360-738-4556 FAX o{ 360-7384555 TTY RSp{i N Gi E-mail: auditor@co.whatcom.wams www.co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor BALLOT MEASURE RECEIPT Date Received: S — I o — 1-b Whatcom County Auditor's Office Election Division F�7copy Received From: �; Dpha o i e-, �5,� Name of Pre enter u, i (Nei h a Name gfuganization I r-alos P� r--F i 0 n Address r7q Y - g a-7 6 ` hl 'i S i r1 k() mob. o Pq Phone V Email Ballot Issue Name: n f `TJ . The Auditor's Office, Election Division, acknowledges eceipt of the above - named Proposition for inclusion in theC�ca/ I Election. 0 dt Deputy Auditor hPolicies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\02_Filing - Ballot Measures\FRM RECEIPT for ballot measure.DOCAdopted 7/27/06 BELLINGHAM TBD NO. 1 RESOLUTION #2010-2 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1, BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON, APPOINTING A COMMITTEE TO PREPARE PRO AND CON STATEMENTS FOR THE LOCAL VOTERS PAMPHLET ON THE BALLOT PROPOSITION TO IMPOSE UP TO A TWO - TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT (0.002) SALES TAX AND USE TAX WITHIN THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS TO FUND SPECIFIED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS. WHEREAS, on August 9, 2010, the Transportation Benefit District Board passed Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 authorizing the submission of a ballot proposition to the voters at the November 2, 2010, general election which would impose up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) sales and use tax within the Transportation Benefit District for a period of ten years to fund specified transportation improvements; and WHEREAS, in the November 2, 2005, general election, a Local Voter's Pamphlet for primary and general elections was approved by Whatcom County voters; and WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 29A.32.280, a local jurisdiction that has a ballot issue for either the primary or general election is required to have its legislative authority formally appoint a committee to prepare arguments advocating voters' approval of the measure and a committee to prepare arguments advocating voters' rejection; and WHEREAS, the legislative authority is required to appoint persons known to favor the measure to serve on the committee advocating approval and shall, whenever possible appoint persons known to oppose the measure to serve on the committee advocating rejection; and WHEREAS, each committee shall have not more than three members; however, the committee may seek the advice of any person or persons; NOW, THEREFRORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT: 1. That the following persons are hereby appointed to prepare a statement advocating the voters' approval of the measure: Ken Hertz Wes Frysztacki Karen Funston RESOLUTION - I City of Bellingham City Attorney 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360)778-8270 Facsimile (360) 778-8271 2. That the following persons are hereby appointed to prepare a statement advocating the voters' rejection of the measure: Brett Bonner Anna Williams Orphalee Smith PASSED by the Transportation Benefit District Board i day of*?-4010. Eff APPROVED AS TO FORM: City A66rney RESOLUTION - 2 TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT ISTRICT NO. 1, BELLINGHAM, WASH GTON Chair City of Bellingham City Attorney 210 Lottie Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 Telephone (360)778-8270 Facsimile (360) 778-8271 OFFICIAL BALLOT TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1 BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON SALES AND USE TAX FOR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: To vote in favor of the following proposition, place a cross (X) in the square opposite the word "Yes?"; to vote against the following proposition, place a cross (X) in the square opposite the word "No?." TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1 BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON SALES AND USE TAX FOR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, adopted Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use tax of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten years for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the following transportation projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit service. Should this proposition be approved? Yes? ...................................... F] No?........... .............................. F-1 f P14 NOTICE OF ELECTION TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1 BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON SALES AND USE TAX FOR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS NOTICE IF HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, an election will be held in the above -named District for the submission to the qualified electors of the District of the following proposition: TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT NO. 1 BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON SALES AND USE TAX FOR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS The Board of Transportation Benefit District No. 1, Bellingham, Washington, adopted Bellingham TBD No. 1 Resolution #2010-1 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements. This proposition would authorize a sales and use tax of up to a two -tenths of one percent (0.002) to be collected from all taxable retail sales within the District in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten years for the purpose of paying or financing costs of the following transportation projects identified in the City of Bellingham Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): resurfacing pavement on arterial streets and bicycle lanes, adding non -motorized transportation options and transit service. Should this proposition be approved F1 Yes? ...................................... No? .........................................