Opportunity to Influence County Roads Funding Ahead of Future Ballot Measures

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Image courtesy of Jefferson County  [/caption]

News by Scott France

Do you have an opinion about the condition and safety of the roads in Jefferson County and want your viewpoint regarding its funding to be heard by County voters? Well, read on, because Jefferson County wants you.

The County is seeking volunteers to serve on “For” and “Against” committees for a potential Transportation Benefit District (TBD) ballot measure. These committees will draft the official voter statements that appear in the local voters’ pamphlet for the November 4, 2025 General Election.

The proposed measure would add an additional 0.2% sales tax in unincorporated Jefferson County, or twenty cents for every $100 spent, for county road system preservation and safety..

“At least two-thirds of the money raised would be used to fund chip sealing and paving projects, which are the difference between roads that are drivable and roads that degrade to the point they look like the streets in the City of Port Townsend,” said Monte Reinders, Public Works Director for Jefferson County.

“The remainder of the funds would be used for a variety of activities, including roadway pavement markings, purchasing reliable equipment to perform road maintenance activities like sweeping, brush cutting, mowing, snow and ice control, and grading gravel roads.  It would allow us to continue to acquire grants which pay for essential road upkeep like replacing failing steel culverts (most of which are well over 60 years old and rusted through),” Reinders said.

Funds may also be used for safety-related items such as guardrails, pavement markings, and signage on the county’s 400-mile road system as well as for bridge maintenance and repairs, and drainage repairs. This revenue could be used to provide matching funds for transportation projects and to help fund emergency repairs.

The Board of County Commissioners is expected to consider a resolution on August 4 to place this TBD sales tax measure on the November ballot. The current TBD sales tax of 0.1% was established by resolution in 2024. This proposed ballot measure would add another two-tenths of one percent, bringing the TBD sales tax to the full 0.3% authorized by statute.

Reinders said that the County’s Road program is “in a hole at least $3 million deep (or more) trying to maintain service levels equivalent to those in 1998”

“We’ve cut 25% of our staff, reduced the available equipment fleet, let much of the fleet age to the point where it is unreliable, and cut the chip seal program in half,” Reinders said. “Further reductions will jeopardize the continuation of many of the already reduced road maintenance activities that are essential to keep roads from falling apart.  People might also appreciate the perspective that Jefferson County operates with just about the lowest revenue available per road mile compared to other western Washington counties.  For example, we operate with 60% to 70% less revenue than Clallam County while having nearly the same road system to maintain.”

Reinders said that more than 90% of the County’s funding for projects such as building the Larry Scott Trail and the new Olympic Discovery Trail to Anderson Lake comes from grants. The county would be largely ineligible for these grants without funds to match them.

“The biggest risk, though, is the continued reduction in our regular road maintenance program,” Reinders said.  “It is already very small and to the point where further cuts may mean we just cannot even field a crew to chip seal or patch roads or do the other many, many things we do.”

To qualify, you must:

• Be a registered voter of Jefferson County
• Have an email address and the demonstrated ability to communicate promptly by email
• agree to work collaboratively with co-committee members

In a press release, the County states, “By state law, the county appoints both a pro (For) and con (Against) committee before the measure is placed on the ballot. This is your opportunity to ensure the community’s voice is heard. The committees are responsible for drafting statements and rebuttals per the following schedule:

• Committee statements (max 250 words) due: August 12 by 4:30 PM

• Optional rebuttal statements (max 75 words) due: August 15 by 4:30 PM

Once formed, each committee may recruit additional members. If you're passionate about transportation, public policy, or civic engagement, we encourage you to apply! Please communicate your interest as soon as possible by email to cao@co.jefferson.wa.us or by phone to 360-385-9100.”

For more information about ballot measures, visit the Elections page on our website: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1275/Jr-District-Information.

The 2025 Election Guide for Jurisdictions provides additional information and instructions related to ballot measures and committees: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/19812/2025-Election-Guide-for-Jurisdictions.