The Wenatchee City Council voted to place a ballot proposition before city voters on Aug. 5 asking to impose two‑tenths of 1% in additional sales and use tax for up to 10 years to fund projects in the city’s Transportation Improvement Program, general street maintenance and transportation infrastructure.

City Administrator Laura Gloria told the council the measure would be filed for the August primary and that it is intended to align with the Transportation Benefit District’s purposes. She said the packet’s fiscal estimate showed the additional tax could generate about $4,000,000 per year but later clarified during council questions that each tenth of 1% is expected to bring in roughly $1.5 million, so two tenths would likely yield about $3 million a year.

The item matters because the city’s pavement condition index has fallen in recent years and staff told council members that a new revenue source is needed to maintain and preserve streets at an acceptable level. Gloria said a public workshop is scheduled for May 8 to present pavement data, how funds would be used and outreach plans ahead of the election.

At the meeting, several public commenters urged more financial transparency before asking voters for new revenue. Brian Campbell, a Wenatchee resident, told the council the public needs “honest, transparent, and open discussion of the city's finances” and asked whether money previously dedicated to streets had been diverted to other projects, including Confluence Parkway.

Council members debated timing and process but voted to move the measure forward. Councilmember Rosina moved passage of Resolution No. 2025‑11 to place the measure on the ballot; Councilmember Hornby seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The council also approved Ordinance No. 2025‑02 to remove a fixed dissolution date for the Transportation Benefit District so it will remain in place until TBD debt is retired or its responsibilities are complete. That ordinance change was moved by Councilmember O'Steen and seconded by Councilmember Harrell.

As required under state law, the council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑12 to appoint members to the pro and con committees that will prepare official arguments for and against the proposed measure. The council appointed Mark Miller and Kevin Norte to the pro committee and Garth Donald to the con committee.

The mayor and staff said the city will provide further information to voters, including fact sheets and a workshop on how the revenue would be used. Gloria said the city will confirm the final printing deadline with the auditor’s office in case the council later decides to withdraw the measure.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance No. 2025‑02 (amend Wenatchee City Code §5.100.070 — TBD dissolution): Mover — Councilmember O'Steen; Second — Councilmember Harrell; Outcome — Passed (voice vote).
- Resolution No. 2025‑11 (place 0.2% sales‑and‑use tax measure on Aug. 5, 2025 ballot): Mover — Councilmember Rosina; Second — Councilmember Hornby; Outcome — Passed (voice vote).
- Resolution No. 2025‑12 (appoint pro/con committee members for the ballot proposition): Mover — Councilmember Hornby; Second — Councilmember Ewer; Outcome — Passed (voice vote).

Ending

Councilmembers said the next steps include a May 8 workshop on pavement condition and an outreach campaign to explain the proposal to voters. Several councilmembers emphasized the value of public input and clearer fiscal detail before the August vote.