FERNDALE - Voters defied expectations and overwhelmingly approved two tax measures that will enhance school programs and fix city roads.
A city sales tax increase for road improvements exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, with 63.5 percent of voters approving the measure, according to results released Tuesday, Feb. 14, by the Whatcom County Elections Division.
City Councilman Jon Mutchler, a vocal supporter of the tax hike, predicted on Monday a 58 percent "yes" vote.
"I am so glad to hear that," Mutchler said upon hearing the even more favorable result. "I really am overjoyed people supported that so strongly."
The school district received voter approval for the maximum property tax it could levy over the next four years. That levy will bring in between $13 million and $15.5 million a year. The vote count as of Tuesday was 60.2 percent in favor of the maintenance and operations levy, which will account for roughly a quarter of the district's budget and cover basic costs including teacher and staff salaries, transportation, textbooks and athletics.
Ferndale School Board President Lee Anne Riddle said the good news was tempered by looming cuts to the state budget.
"I'm relieved and I'm thankful, and I know we will have hard decisions ahead, but this will make it a little easier," Riddle said.
The projected tax for 2013 will be $4.66 per $1,000 of a home's assessed value, or $932 for a $200,000 home.
The city's sales tax increase of 0.2 percent for road repairs will add 20 cents to the cost of a $100 purchase and collect an estimated $300,000 per year over 10 years.
The need for road repairs is urgent, city officials have said. After forming a Transportation Benefit District in November that has the authority to raise revenue, the Ferndale City Council rushed the sales tax hike onto the February ballot, to have funds available for roadwork in 2013.
Mayor Gary Jensen said Thornton Road, in the worst condition of any road in the city, could be fixed as early as this summer.
City leaders were vindicated in their decision to call for a tax increase, despite public criticism, the mayor said.
"The naysayers ... have always said, 'Put it to a vote,'" Jensen said. "This time we put it to a vote, and the voters are telling us they trust us to use their money and use it wisely."
The city has fallen behind on its road maintenance; 27 percent of its 55 miles of road is beyond patching and needs to be completely rebuilt at an estimated cost of $15.64 million.
