Chelan’s transportation sales tax proposition too close to call

CHELAN - The decision on the Chelan Transportation Benefit District Proposition No. 1 Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements is too close to call with the first ballot count on Tuesday, November 5.

By Tuesday evening, 52.02% of voters or 863 voters were in favor of the proposition. However, 47.98% or 796 votes opposed the measure.

The proposed sales tax would fund crucial transportation projects across the Chelan Transportation Benefit District.

The measure proposes a sales and use tax of 0.3%, adding 3 cents to every $10 purchase, for a period of ten years, starting January 1, 2025.

The funds from this tax, if approved, would be dedicated exclusively to projects outlined in the City of Chelan’s Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. Possible projects include road maintenance, intersection upgrades, pedestrian safety measures, multi-use trails, and emergency preparedness initiatives, with all project decisions made by the district’s Governing Board.

The proposed tax would apply to all taxable purchases made within the City, impacting both residents and visitors. Any modifications to planned projects would require a public hearing and board resolution. 

The next ballot count will be released on Wednesday, November 6 at 5 p.m. Election results will be certified on Tuesday, November 26.

For more information, visit https://www.cityofchelan.us/tbd.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media