Meeker County board adopts local transportation sales tax resolution

The Meeker County Board approved a resolution Feb. 17 to adopt a local option transportation sales and use tax to fund transportation projects.

Public Works staff framed the proposal as a way to avoid shifting growing transportation costs onto the property tax levy as state and federal funding failed to keep pace. Director Phil Schmaltz said the measure is intended to be project‑based and would sunset when projects are completed; "it sunsets and it can sunset at any point with board action," he said.

The board conducted a roll‑call vote: Commissioners Johnson, Benoit, Samkee, Schmidt and Oberg each answered "Yes," and the resolution carried.

County staff said the tax would be one tool among others (including wheelage taxes or levy increases) to address deteriorating pavement and bridge needs. No specific project list was included in the motion; staff said projects would be prioritized and that the county will continue to press the state and federal delegation for additional aid.

Next steps include implementation steps and public communication; the board can amend or rescind the resolution in the future.