From: Jacob Patterson
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment -- 6/26/23 CC Mtg., Item No. 8A Date: Monday, June 26, 2023 1:30:44 PM
City Council,
I think we need reliable funding for our streets and alleys, however, I am confused as to the relevance (or lack thereof) regarding the acceptable uses of state gas tax funding as shown in Attachment 2. This local special tax is not the same thing as the gas tax and expenditure rules that apply to one do not automatically apply to the other. While there is nothing wrong with aligning our local special tax with how gas taxes are expended, we aren't required to do so.
Regardless, I appreciate the additional clarity in the language of the local ballot measure even though I think it will result in some people opposing the tax who would have supported the tax if it were strictly limited to paving and not subterranean components of our storm drain infrastructure even if we are permitted to use state and federal money for those purposes.
I am certainly hesitant to support an extension of the local special tax that explicitly includes storm drain infrastructure and would have preferred an extension limited to paving and hardscapes of streets and sidewalks. Luckily, the City will have time for a second shot at approval if this first effort fails to garner sufficient voter support due to potential oppostiion.
Regards,
--Jacob