Item 3: Resolution on GO Bond for Streets

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Communication Constraints (Specific to Bond Measure): As with any tax measure, the complexity of the issue and the need to couch language in terms that satisfy legal requirements don’t always allow for easy-to-understand explanations. Placing the bond measure in the context of a larger package, some elements of which haven’t yet been fully worked out, is a significant communications challenge. Voters will need to understand why the measure doesn’t focus solely on the worst streets (i.e., why preserving streets from further deterioration is a good investment). Including a number of reconstruction projects in the bond measure will help voters see obvious benefit. Voters have trouble distinguishing between improved and unimproved streets. The message needs to be clear why they’re not funded by the bond measure and what strategies the City has to address those streets (including increased funding for pothole repairs). The “list” of repair projects to be funded by the bond measure is a subset of a larger list of projects to be funded from multiple sources of road repair funding, including current existing sources of revenue. Voters may be confused if they don’t see beneficial projects that aren’t on the bond list because they are scheduled to receive some other type of funding. As with all election issues, the City must avoid advocacy and provide only neutral information. To the extent that it’s important to communicate benefits, the council and any citizen groups that come forward must carry those messages. Key Messages Bond Measure for Street Repairs Voters in November will be asked to approve a $35.9 million levy dedicated to local street repairs The levy is estimated to cost the average homeowner $99 per year for five years A five-year levy will deliver on a promise to work on improving a core service and allow the community to rebuild trust in solutions for a more robust street repair program in the future A list of high-priority projects has been developed to indicate exactly which streets would be repaired with bond funds. The list includes 32 projects covering 70 miles of city streets. The project list will include overlay projects (to preserve streets from further deterioration) and reconstruction projects (to fix streets that have fallen apart and need to be rebuilt) Accountability will be provided, bond expenditures will be monitored and annual reports will be given to the council and the community. The bond measure is not the complete and final answer, either for the full street repair backlog or the immediate need for additional funding for ongoing street operations and maintenance. Overall Package of Transportation Funding Solutions Eugene is faced with a $173 million backlog of street repair projects. The backlog could reach $280 million over the next decade if more funds are not invested in local street repairs. To bring the backlog under control, at least $18 million per year needs to be invested in local street repairs. Currently Eugene is investing about $5 million a year in major street repairs. To truly address the need, a package of revenue solutions is needed. Package elements could include some combination of a general obligation bond measure, local fuel tax, monthly street repair fee, street lighting fee, garbage fee surcharge, countywide vehicle registration fee and/or countywide fuel tax, and/or reallocation of existing general fund revenue. Any package, in total, needs to provide achievable, balanced and sustainable solutions to adequately fund Eugene’s transportation system for cars, trucks, bicycles and pedestrians A good package element is one that collects funds proportionately (or equally) from residents and non-residents who use our roads, is consistent with our sustainability goals, has direct connection to the use of the roads, and give incentives to those who do not have a car or use one very little. Since 2002 (including the 2008 construction season), the City has invested $18.6 million in pavement preservation projects. Since 2002 (including the 2008 construction season), the City has repaired 153 lane miles of streets through overlay, reconstruction and slurry seal treatments.