Title
Public Hearing on the Assumption of the Olympia Transportation Benefit District
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a Public Hearing on the assumption of the Olympia Transportation Benefit District.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a Public Hearing on the assumption of the Transportation Benefit District.
Staff Contact:
Mark Russell, P.E., Deputy Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8762
Presenter(s):
Mark Russell, P.E., Deputy Director, Public Works Department
Background and Analysis:
A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district. It was created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district.
The Washington State legislature permits local governments to establish a TBD and accompanying funding sources to provide for the preservation, maintenance, and construction of local public ways. The Olympia City Council established a TBD in 2008. The boundaries of the TBD are identical with the City limits.
Recent legislation allows the City Council to assume the authority and powers of the TBD. RCW 36.74.020 states, in part, that the City’s “assumption of the rights, powers, functions, and obligations of a transportation benefit district may be initiated by the adoption of an ordinance or a resolution by the city legislative authority indicating its intention to conduct a hearing concerning the assumption of such rights, powers, functions, and obligations.” The City Council approved a Resolution on September 28, 2021, announcing its intention to hold a Public Hearing concerning the assumption of the TBD.
Based upon testimony received during the Public Hearing, staff intends to prepare an Ordinance regarding City Council assuming the authority and powers of the TBD. Council would then consider this Ordinance at a future business meeting. The assumption of the TBD by City Council would streamline administration and oversight. Several other Washington cities have already implemented this process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Cost to residents is $40 per year for each registered vehicle within City limits. Collection of the fee is administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) on behalf of the Olympia TBD. This $40 fee is collected at the time of renewal for all registered vehicles within the City of Olympia.
Options:
1. Hold a Public Hearing on the assumption of the Olympia Transportation Benefit District. Staff will prepare an Ordinance for Council consideration at a future business meeting.
2. Delay the Public Hearing to a later date. The TBD Board will still need to perform their obligations into 2022, until such time that those functions may be assumed by the City Council.
3. Do not hold a Public Hearing. The TBD Board will continue to function as they do now.
Financial Impact:
In 2021, revenue collected through TBD fees is estimated to be $1,500,000 and are applied to the City’s Transportation Capital Fund for pavement resurfacing and preservation.
Attachments:
None.