Prosser OKs car tab fee

PROSSER -- It soon will cost an extra $20 to own a car in this town.

Prosser City Council members Tuesday night imposed a $20 car tab fee, making their city the first in Eastern Washington to use car tabs as a way to fund street maintenance.

"The city really needs to work on our streets, and there's a lot to be done," said City Councilman Morgan Everett.

The fee is allowed by the state, as long as towns use the money for roads. Cities may charge up to $20 per year without voter approval.

It's an attempt to let cities replace some of the revenue they used to receive from the state before Initiative 695 capped car tabs at $30 per year.

Grandview, Sunnyside and Mabton officials have talked about a similar fee, but so far have taken no action. A few Puget Sound cities, including Des Moines, Edmonds and Olympia, have already imposed one.

Prosser city leaders have been working on the fee since January, when council members formed a transportation benefit district to collect and spend the funds.

The measure passed 5-1, with Ernie Troemel opposing. Dick Poteet was absent.

"I just don't think this is a good time to impose a new tax on the people," Troemel said.

Prosser resident Michael Bradshaw spoke in opposition to the charge because he believes it goes against the will of the voters who passed I-695 in 1999.

"The citizens wanted a $30 car tab fee," he said.

Resident Jim Macica spoke in favor.

"We need the improvements before the town crumbles around our ears," he said.

The charge will take effect in October at the earliest.

City officials estimate that $20 per vehicle will raise about $100,000 per year. Engineers say the city is behind on $13 million worth of road repairs.

Right now, the city may only use the money for maintenance, such as chip sealing. Improvement projects will require a public hearing.

Council members next will prioritize areas that need upgrades. Rebuilding Sheridan Avenue and adding curbs and sidewalks to Kinney Way near Miller Park are among the favorites.

* Ross Courtney can be reached at 930-8798 or rcourtney@yakimaherald.com.