No $20 car tab fees in Monte, for now

Mayor pulls car tab fee proposal from budget she is offering to Monte Council.

Montesano Mayor Vini Samuel has decided to drop a proposed $20 car tab fee that she had included in her proposed city budget.

The public got its first chance to comment on the mayor’s budget proposal at the City Council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13. By Thursday, she said, “There has been a shift in the state wide position as to car tabs.”

She cited work by activist Tim Eyman, who is turning in signatures on a ballot initiative that would set car tab fees at $30 across the state, essentially eliminating the option of added tab fees by the city.

“I don’t want to pass something and not be able to rely on the income as a partial amount is connected to a job,” Samuel said by email. “I may propose an alternative but need to consider which option is the best for our city.”

The fee proposed would have been used to fund road repairs, something the mayor says the city has had trouble finding a dedicated revenue stream for, and for a public works position.

Four people stood up during the first public comment period Tuesday. Each discussed the difficulties of increased taxes while living on a fixed income.

“There’s a lot of seniors in Montesano, and we can’t afford to have that ($20 tab fee). We’re struggling already and our income is limited,” Maryalyn Martin of Montesano said. “We couldn’t handle it, and probably a lot of other people don’t know that it’s happening.”

Margaret Tichi of Montesano, echoed those who spoke before her.

“I am in the same position as a lot of seniors. Our whole block is seniors,” she said. “(The $20 tab fee) would make it very hard on us.”

The mayor and council seemed receptive as they listened to each comment. During their comment period, most members expressed gratitude for residents coming and commenting, and said they would take their comments seriously.

“We heard what you guys said about the $20 tabs,” Councilman Robert Hatley said. “I think it’s a sensitive subject, and we will definitely take (your comments) into consideration.”

“We don’t like it. We’re always looking for ways to fix our streets and make our town nice. But we don’t want it to be a burden as well,” Councilman Tyler Trimble said. “It’s on the radar, but we hear you.”

“Over the time that I’ve been here, we’ve tried to create a dedicated revenue flow that’s just for streets,” Councilman Dave Skaramuca said. “It would be a fund that would be an enterprise fund, and the money wouldn’t be spent for anything other than street repair. That’s what our intent was. We’ve thought about other areas for creating income. This is just an idea that we have.”

Until Eyman’s initiative plays out either in the Legislature or in next November’s elections, the question of car tabs is moot.

Other business

The city received a $2,500 donation from the Kelsey Foundation for care and upkeep at Kelsey Park and its sports fields. The Kelsey Foundation is named for Forest and Ruth Kelsey. Its primary focus is on scholarships for education. For more on the foundation, go to kelseyfoundation.com.