McMinnville Chamber Supports Transportation Bond

Chamber Board of Directors & Government Affairs Council Take Position on Local Transportation Bond

September 24, 2014 – McMinnville, OR – The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met to review recommendations made by the Chamber Government Affairs Council regarding a position on the local Transportation Bond. The following ballot measure was reviewed because the Chamber Government Affairs Council feels that it significantly affects the common good of business and the community.

Transportation Bond Brochure

The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce does not usually approve new taxes or fees unless it is to benefit the greater good of McMinnville and increase the ability of businesses to grow and develop. With that understanding, the Board of Directors voted to support ballot measure #36-165. The $24,000,000 bond revenues will complete:

Capital Improvement Projects that will increase safety, ease of access, and traffic flow
Sidewalk and Pedestrian Safety Projects
Major Street Repair and Repaving projects around the city

These construction and maintenance projects address current deficiencies in our transportation plan as well as consider the growth potential for the city in years to come. The City has proven itself as a conservative manager in fiscal responsibility creating a very strong bond rating for low rates and risk. The 2011 Citizens Survey[i] shows a majority of respondents identified Street and Traffic Improvements as the number one choice in willingness to fund with additional taxes (pg. 56). Bond rates are low, construction fees are low, and the time is prime to get the most for every dollar spent on these projects. The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce believes that strong transportation infrastructure and safe streets for all is a key driver to increasing economic value of area and supporting a strong local economy.