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La Grande council backs 5¢ per-gallon local fuel tax with five-year sunset to go before voters
Summary
By a 4–2 vote, La Grande’s city council selected a five-cent-per-gallon local fuel tax with a five-year sunset for referral to the November 2026 ballot, with supporters saying it would accelerate road repairs and critics preferring a lower, permanent option.
La Grande — The city council voted to refer a five-cent-per-gallon local fuel tax with a five‑year sunset to the November 2026 ballot, directing staff to prepare the necessary ballot measure and supporting documents.
Staff recommended the five-cent, limited-duration option after community outreach and internal work sessions. Proponents on council said the five-year limit could help build public trust by allowing voters to evaluate results, and that five cents would produce more immediate revenue to address the city’s backlog of street maintenance. Opponents argued that a three-cent permanent tax would provide steadier, long-term funding and be less burdensome for residents on tight budgets.
Council discussion included an emphasis on public education to make clear the difference between the state gas tax and the local measure and to show how the revenue would be used. The motion to prefer option three (five cents per gallon with a five‑year sunset) passed by a voice/recorded count described in the transcript as 4 in favor and 2 opposed.
What’s next: Staff will prepare ballot language and materials for council consideration and public outreach before the measure is placed on the November 2026 ballot.
