Colfax council votes to place 1% special sales tax on ballot to fund streets and roads

The Colfax City Council voted to place a 1% special sales tax on the ballot to finance repairs and long‑term maintenance of streets and roads. City attorney Connor Harkkins outlined the legal options (general vs. special sales tax, transient occupancy tax, utility user tax, property assessments) and explained that a council‑placed special tax requires a two‑thirds approval at the ballot box while a citizen initiative would require only a simple majority.

Harkkins told the council the city can impose up to 2% in local sales tax, and that Placer County currently has no countywide add‑on, leaving available local capacity. Staff described a multi‑million‑dollar backlog of road needs and said a 1% special tax would be dedicated to streets and would help leverage grant matching funds for larger projects.

Public commenters generally supported a dedicated roads measure if it was transparent about priorities and oversight; several suggested a citizens oversight committee and clear maps showing which public roads would be addressed. One commenter asked whether the tax would chiefly affect visitors or local shoppers; staff replied that anyone who purchases taxable goods in the city would pay the tax, including visitors.

After discussion, Council member Sean moved — and the council seconded — a motion directing staff to draft an ordinance to propose a 1% special sales tax dedicated to street and road repair, to include a citizens oversight committee and to include no sunset clause. The motion carried. Staff said it will prepare the model ordinance required by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and bring election resolutions and required documents to a future meeting.

Next steps include ordinance drafting, establishing a public information and outreach plan, and scheduling the measure for the ballot according to election deadlines.