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Scappoose staff outline sidewalk, overlay priorities as local fuel tax revenue slips
Summary
Staff reported a $1.435 million capital allocation in the Street Fund for sidewalk design and overlays, described constraints from declining fuel-tax revenue, and explained project prioritization around school routes.
City staff told the Budget Committee the Street Fund will cover design and capital work for sidewalks around several schools and planned overlay projects, while acknowledging long-term pressure from declining fuel-tax receipts.
Staff said the Street Fund receives revenue from multiple sources including state gas tax, a local fuel tax (budgeted at about $50,000 annually), federal transportation dollars restricted to capital projects (roughly $102,000), interest and a cash carryover. The fund carried approximately $2,000,614 in cash going into the year and staff proposed $1,435,000 in capital outlay for sidewalks and related street projects.
Presenters warned that statewide declines in gas-tax receipts—attributed to increased electric-vehicle use—are reducing a historic revenue stream. Staff said the legislature is considering changes (including a tire tax and other measures) that could affect future revenue but that the timing and effect on the city—s budget are not yet known.
On project prioritization, staff said the city would focus sidewalk design work this winter on routes serving the Grant Watts grade school (design work may extend from Boly to Grant Watts and north toward Rose Street or Elm depending on scope) rather than low-use segments such as Fourth Street. Staff explained decisions are driven by pedestrian counts, school routes, and limited resources; they also noted the city sometimes leverages developer construction to extend sidewalks at lower cost.
Overlay projects were described as varying in scope and cost depending on pavement profile; staff noted ADA requirements (wheelchair ramps) on routes with existing sidewalks raise costs for overlay work because ramps must be brought into compliance.
Staff also described a neighborhood sidewalk program budget (currently $40,000 annually) intended to help homeowners with repairs; staff said take-up has been low and that the city may restructure the program if community interest does not increase.
Committee members asked for per-foot cost estimates and more granular project schedules; staff said larger projects reduce unit cost and that final construction timing depends on design speed and bidding.
