Transportation Benefit District

What

A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal corporation with independent taxing authority for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, and maintaining transportation improvements within the District.

On April 25, 2017, City Council assumed the rights, powers, functions and obligations of the Moses Lake Transportation Benefit District, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2861. The governing board of the TBD shall be the Moses Lake City Council, which shall have the authority to exercise the statutory powers set forth in Chapter 36.73 RCW.

Where

The boundaries of the TBD are the Moses Lake City Limits.

When

The TBD was established December 27, 2016.
Collection of $20 vehicle license fee began about October 1, 2017.
Proposition No. 1 - Sales Tax for Street Improvements passed on the the November 2017 General Election Ballot.

Why

  • The TBD provides an important source of revenue to catch up on the backlog of needed street maintenance.
  • The $20 vehicle license fee will provide some funds to do some initial maintenance.
  • The 0.2% sales tax:
    • Replaced the $20 vehicle fee
    • Provides more revenue
    • More equitably spreads the cost among all of those who use the streets, not just those who live in City limits

How

  • TBDs are authorized by RCW 36.73. At least 90 cities across the state use TBDs.
  • Funding initially was collected through vehicle licensing ("car tabs") for Moses Lake residents. Voters decided on November 7, 2017, that should be replaced by a 0.2% sales tax.
  • Money collected can only be used for transportation, such as constructing and maintaining streets.

More information