The Wenatchee City Council convened on May 8, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the city's pavement preservation program and the need for increased funding to maintain road conditions. The meeting focused on the proposal for a transportation benefit district (TBD) sales tax increase aimed at ensuring sustainable maintenance of the city’s streets.

The session began with an overview of the current state of Wenatchee's streets, which encompass 244 lane miles. The city employs a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to assess road quality, with scores ranging from 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent). Currently, the average PCI stands at 64, down from the targeted goal of 70, indicating a decline in road conditions due to insufficient funding.

City officials highlighted the historical context of the pavement preservation program, initiated in 2011, which has struggled with consistent funding. The program has relied heavily on general fund allocations, which have fluctuated over the years. In recent years, the city has managed to maintain a PCI of around 70 through supplemental funding, but without dedicated resources, the PCI has dropped significantly.

The proposed solution involves a sales tax increase of two-tenths of a percent, which would generate approximately $3 million annually. This funding would help bridge the gap between the current budget of $2.2 million and the estimated $4.2 million needed to restore and maintain the PCI at the desired level. The council discussed alternative funding methods, including vehicle license fees and property tax increases, but concluded that a sales tax would be the most equitable and effective approach, as it would also capture contributions from non-residents who utilize the city’s roads.

Finance Director Brad Posenjack provided additional context on the city's funding structure, detailing three main funding sources: the street maintenance fund, the arterial street fund, and the street overlay fund. He emphasized that the proposed sales tax increase would not only stabilize funding for pavement preservation but also enhance the overall quality of the city’s infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a call for public engagement and feedback on the proposed sales tax measure, which will be put to a vote. City officials expressed optimism that the community would support the initiative, recognizing the importance of maintaining Wenatchee's roads as a vital asset for residents and visitors alike. The council plans to continue discussions and finalize the proposal in the coming weeks, aiming for a ballot measure that reflects the community's needs and priorities.