Update 3.9.2016: The gas tax was rejected by a wide margin.
Bend is a vibrant city in Deschutes County, Oregon, beloved by outdoor enthusiasts, beer aficionados, and many others. Its roads, however, need some TLC. More precisely, they need $80 million worth of repairs.
To raise the required funds, the Bend City Council has decided to put a 5-cents-per-gallon local option gas tax on the March 2016 ballot. The tax is expected to generate approximately $2.5 million annually if it passes. Both proponents and opponents have already begun to rally supporters to their cause.
If approved, on July 1, 2016, Bend would join 21 Oregon cities that impose a local gas tax.
Avalara Author
Gail Cole
Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.