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345 SE 5th, Madras, OR 97741 | 541.475.2275
Between now and May 18, voters will have both measures and candidates to consider in two separate elections.
Ballots were mailed out Feb. 19 to residents of the city of Madras to determine the fate of a gas tax adopted by the Madras City Council on Aug. 11.
The tax, which was set to go into effect July 1, would add 1 cent to the cost of a gallon of gas in the first year, 2 cents in the second year, and 3 cents in subsequent years.
Money from the tax would be dedicated to paving and repairing city roads.
Karen Coleman, Madras city recorder, said that there seems to be confusion about the wording of the question and summary. The question is, "Shall Madras approve Ordinance No. 816, imposing a business license tax on motor vehicle fuel dealers?"
The summary explains that the ordinance would require each motor vehicle fuel dealer within the city of Madras to collect a license tax on each gallon of motor vehicle fuel sold.
Voters have been confused about the final line that states, "The issue for the voters is whether to repeal Sections 3 and 4 of Ordinance No. 816 imposing the business fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel dealers within the city of Madras."
"We've had several calls, and had people come in, and the county has had lots of calls," said Coleman, noting that part of the summary seems to contradict the question. The question itself is what voters should answer.
"If they vote yes to the question, it would mean that they are in favor of the gas tax," she said. "If they vote no, then they would be voting to repeal Sections 3 and 4 of the ordinance, which would mean they're opposed to the ordinance."
