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Chehalis council moves TBD sales‑tax renewal to voters and approves $45,500 communications contract
Summary
Council passed a resolution to place a 0.2% Transportation Benefit District sales‑and‑use tax renewal (10 years starting 07/01/2027) on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and approved a $45,500 contract with Liz Loomis Public Affairs to support public information for the measure; the communications contract passed 5–2 amid debate over advocacy vs. education.
The Chehalis City Council voted May 26 to place a proposed renewal of the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) 0.2% sales‑and‑use tax on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and to hire a communications firm to assist with public outreach.
City staff said the proposed resolution (17‑2026) would renew the existing voter‑approved 0.2% TBD tax for 10 years, from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2037, primarily to fund transportation improvements, traffic engineering and routine maintenance. Staff told the council the TBD has invested about $8.2 million directly in the city's transportation system to date and has helped secure approximately $12.9 million in grant funding.
The council approved the first reading of the resolution and scheduled a second and final reading for the June 8 regular meeting.
Separately, staff recommended contracting with Liz Loomis Public Affairs to provide communications support for the TBD renewal. Consultant Liz Loomis described a three‑phase approach: research and strategy, development of core materials (FAQ cards, key messages, a communications plan) and implementation using a PESO approach (paid, earned, shared and owned media). Loomis said the firm focuses on educating voters and complying with state election laws; the contract proposed $45,500 to cover work through November.
Council discussion praised the importance of ongoing communication about city projects, with multiple members urging continuous outreach rather than ad‑hoc messaging around elections. One council member said they could not support using public funds for election‑related measures on principle and voted against the contract. The council approved the contract by a 5–2 vote; the record shows at least one council member explicitly opposed on philosophical grounds.
City staff said they will return with any required administrative steps and a communications timeline for public outreach ahead of the November election.
