Pateros Transportation Benefit District completes sixth year

PATEROS – The Transportation Benefit District (TBD) that the city council approved by ordinance in 2018, and the voters approved on the August 2021 ballot has just celebrated its sixth year in existence and the third year since revenues started being collected in 2022.

Per state RCW 36.73.030 a city “…establish transportation benefit districts in order to respond to the special transportation needs and economic opportunities resulting from private sector development for the public good.” 

Effective July 1, 2022, the TBD collects a 0.3 percent (formerly .02%) sales tax on each retail dollar spent by residents and visitors in Pateros. State law mandates that TBD funds can only be used to maintain and improve the city’s transportation infrastructure.

In its 2024 annual TBD report that can be viewed on pateros.com, the city listed $25,897.54 in revenue collected during 2022, estimated at $36,000 in 2023 and $36,000 again this year. The city has designated five categories and allotted a portion of funds to each:

2023

• $9,700 - Roadway construction.
• $4,000 – Repair & maintenance.
• $3,000 – Small tools & equipment.
• $2,500 – Office & operating – Roadway.
• $800 – Professional services.

2024 (changes in two categories only)

• $20,000 – Roadway construction.
• $500 – Professional services.

Year-end cash balance:

• 2022 - $25,897.54
• 2023 - $41,897.54
• 2024 - $47,897.54

The typical maintenance budget for the street department is $100,000-125,000.

Despite a population of only 593 residents, the city’s transportation infrastructure, valued at an estimated $23 millio,n includes: 

• Seven miles of roads.
• A mile-plus of sidewalk.
• A half mile-plus of trail. 
• 100-plus street and trail lights.
• 180-plus traffic signs.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media