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Richland adopts 0.1% RTBD sales tax, replacing car-tab fee, in unanimous vote
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 2025-36 to replace the vehicle tab fee with a 0.1% sales tax inside the Richland Transportation Benefit District to fund pavement preservation; discussion noted coordination with state agencies and mixed feelings about raising taxes.
The Richland City Council on Nov. 18 adopted Ordinance 2025-36, replacing the city’s vehicle tab fee with a 0.1% sales tax within the Richland Transportation Benefit District to fund pavement preservation. The ordinance was adopted in its second reading and passed on a roll-call vote, 7-0.
City staff presenter Mr. Allen said coordination with the Washington State Department of Revenue and Department of Licensing required postponing implementation to April 1 to allow the agencies to align notification timelines. Allen said staff had been working with both departments and expected the new approach to be ready by April.
Council discussion emphasized mixed feelings about the revenue mechanism. Mayor Pro Tem Kent said he "really dislike[s] this" and described an internal conflict: "my brain wants to vote yes, my heart wants to vote no," but nonetheless indicated support. Council members praised staff for careful work and noted that, according to presentations, the sales-tax approach would be cheaper for many residents than the existing tab fee. Council member Meyer said he was "unreservedly in favor" of the change because the city’s roads are used by many nonresident drivers and shifting the cost burden is appropriate.
The council approved the ordinance by roll-call vote. Clerk Rogers recorded the vote as unanimous in favor. The measure will be implemented in coordination with state agencies and take effect according to the administrative timeline described by staff.
