Signatures Gathered; Road Fee Headed to Voters

PORTLAND-The Portland City Council in June approved a new road fee in an attempt to fill an annual $4.9-million hole in the transportation budget created by stagnant gasoline taxes and eternally degrading roads. The fee, a supplement to systems development fees, was much watered down from its original version, but it was still too much for opponents.

Elections officials this week certified petitions that will force a public vote on the issue in May, despite the council’s vote. The council can repeal the fee rather than let the public vote, but politically it may be better to let the people decide, say some insiders, because if it is voted down, elected officials can point vote when people call to complain about road conditions and say they tried.