7/28/09 Sisters

by Ariel Wesler

Talks of a gas tax are fueling debate in Sisters.  City leaders say they're running out of options to raise revenue.  They needs $140,000 to properly maintain the 42 miles of streets.  A Street Utility Maintanence fee would cost Sisters residents $114 per year.  The gas tax. . only $21 a year.  It's expected to generate at least $100,000 from residents and would apply to anyone filling up, including tourists.

"We have people saying, well I'm going to go into Bend next week, so just give me two dollars worth of gas.  This isn't Springfield," said Tom McMeekin, a local gas station owner.

"Although there's a fear consumers will go to other stations, they in fact do not," said City Manager Eileen Stein.

Oregon's multi-million dollar new transportation rule is driving Sisters' gas tax.  It adds an extra six-cents to prices at the pump statewide and bars local governments from adding their own gas taxes for five years-- unless it happens before September 28th.  It's a deadline some feel city councilors are rushing to beat.

"If they put it to a vote and the voters voted yes, then that sounds like they'll stay here and buy gas, said Steve Rodgers, owner of the Chevron in Sisters.

While the roads are currently in good shape, the Sisters Public Works Department wants to be proactive.  It says waiting four years for a vote will cost taxpayers more down the road.

"We could be incurring a bill for as much as one million dollars," Stein said.

At least 19 other cities in Oregon already have a gas tax in place.

If you couldn't attend tonight, the Sisters city council will take up the issue again on August 13th.  Councilors must make a decision before the end of September.