Mount Lake Terrace council OKs $20 vehicle-license fee increase to fund streets and safety

The Mount Lake Terrace City Council voted unanimously June 4 to increase the Transportation Benefit District vehicle-license fee by $20, raising the fee to $40 effective Jan. 1, 2027. City officials said the increase is expected to generate roughly $315,000 a year to support the city’s street operating fund and active-transportation and traffic-safety work.

Deputy City Manager Carolyn Hope told the council the council and a fiscal sustainability task force had considered the measure over nearly two years as one of several options to bridge a general-fund gap. She said the fee would be directed by state law to maintain the street system and provide safe street options and could be used for active-transportation projects.

“I move to adopt the ordinance to increase the transportation benefit district vehicle license fee to $40 effective January 1st, 2027,” Council Member Murray said before the motion passed without recorded opposition.

Community members who spoke earlier in the meeting urged the council to prioritize pedestrian safety when spending transportation funds. Public commenter Corey Cross called a recently approved $2.66 million pedestrian plaza a poor fit for commuters and asked the council to use new revenue to protect people walking near schools and transit. Another commenter, Barbara Bennett, described a recent multi-car crash and requested speed-limit signage or automated enforcement in her neighborhood.

Carolyn Hope said the city currently subsidizes the street operating fund and that the new revenue would supplant some general-fund subsidy. She also noted the city’s traffic-safety program budget and the street overlay program levels while answering council questions during prior reviews of the proposal.

The ordinance was adopted by voice vote. The council previously excused Mayor Steve Woodard from the meeting; six members participated in the vote.