Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pateros approves Transportation Benefit District for August ballot

Hazard Mitigation annex discussed

Posted

PATEROS – The city public hearing on Ordinance 786, Transportation Benefit District, had no public input at the regular monthly council meeting April 19, so council members proceeded to approve the measure to give the city the rights, power, function, and obligations of a Pateros TBD. A transportation district would allow the city to charge a local vehicle licensing fee as a means to increase city revenue.

The council next approved a resolution to add the TBD to the August 3 ballot.

Council member George Brady suggested the city compile a fact sheet giving the details as to what the TBD tax does and does not do.

We understand it but I’m sure most everyone in town does not,” Brady said.

Brady was advised that TBD information bulletins will go out with the June and July utility bills to help inform voters of the ballot measure.

City Administrator Jord Wilson explained the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan as it relates to Pateros and the annex portion that pertains to the city. Wilson said he added three City of Pateros Mitigation Action Items to the county plan dealing with flooding, earthquake, and multi-hazards.

Flood - Wilson said he is still consulting with FEMA concerning the number of city structures that will be designated part of the flood zone.

The initial plan was 33 structures,” said Wilson. “I know it’s less than that now.”

When more specific flood details spell out what structures are affected, the action plan will include evacuation procedures, critical infrastructure protection, codes, protection of the city water source, and other measures.

Earthquake - Pateros is built on fill, Wilson said. There is a substantial chance of structure collapse during a major earthquake. All the downtown area table is seven feet above the water table.

Multi-hazard plan to include selection of a site for a South County Incident Command Station.

In other business, Brady was appointed as the city’s representative to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with council member Frank Herbert as alternate.

Brady brought up the issue of the city’s vacant buildings. He suggested the council consider a planning effort to research the city’s options to deal with vacant buildings because the city is losing revenue on structures that stay vacant for an indefinite period.

 

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here