Ellensburg City Council is gearing up for a pivotal decision regarding the future of its transit and transportation funding, with a potential ballot measure set for 2025. During a recent meeting, council members discussed renewing the existing transportation benefit district (TBD) sales tax, which currently funds the city’s transit system and is set to expire in 2026.

The council is considering a proposal to maintain the current rate of two-tenths of a percent for transit funding while also exploring the possibility of decreasing the amount allocated for street maintenance by one-tenth of a percent. This decision comes amid rising inflation and increasing costs for city services, which have strained the general fund that supports essential services like streets and parks.

City Manager Heidi Smith highlighted the financial pressures facing the city, noting that sales tax revenue, which constitutes about half of the general fund, is highly dependent on economic conditions. With inflation rates soaring, the city is grappling with a structural deficit where expenditures are outpacing revenues. Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining infrastructure, stating that deferring maintenance could lead to more costly repairs in the future.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a range of opinions on the funding model. Some residents advocated for a user-pay system, suggesting that those who utilize the transit services should contribute financially, while others defended the current free transit model as essential for accessibility, particularly for low-income residents.

The council ultimately voted to separate the transit funding from street maintenance funding in any future ballot measure, allowing voters to make distinct choices on each issue. This approach aims to provide clarity and ensure that residents can directly influence how their tax dollars are allocated.

As the city prepares for the upcoming ballot, council members are expected to receive further reports on the implications of these funding decisions, including potential impacts on service levels and infrastructure maintenance. The outcome of this initiative could significantly shape Ellensburg's transportation landscape in the coming years.