Civic Affairs By DAVE MAUK
Two-minute update 1. What’ s the latest about the French Prairie Pathway Project?
A big round of applause for the 150
MAUK residents who attended and participated in March’ s Fireside Chat. Your voices are heard! Valuable data was
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obtained from the event’ s breakout groups, discussions, comments and questions. The city is collating and analyzing all the findings from the surveys, online poll and fireside chat. Some additional input, fact-finding and due diligence is expected before transitioning to the planning and design stages.
2. What’ s happening at the state capitol that impacts Charbonneau?
When we last visited this topic, raising the floor for Oregon estate taxes, and a focus on Oregon’ s transportation package, were highlighted. A bill to increase the base level for estate taxes is anticipated. The transportation bill is a top priority for everyone at the Capitol. The initial proposal was released in April,
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with predictable responses.
Our position has been consistently rooted in the fundamental principles of fairness, transparency, cost containment and targeted benefits evenly applied, multiple funding sources across all modes of transportation and communities, robust financial oversight and accountability.
The preliminary bill includes raising taxes on fuel, registration, titles, and bikes($ 200 min.), increasing dealer taxes on vehicles sold and transit tax collected as payroll taxes, implementing a new tire tax and per mile road use fees for electric vehicles starting in 2026 and delivery vehicle fleets( date unknown). An Oregon Department of Transportation accountability plan is
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due in May.
Several other legislative actions that Charbonneau opposed died in committee, as we hoped. Two more months remain in the regular 2025 session of the legislature. Your Civic Affairs Committee and government affairs consultant are paying close attention.
3. Ballots are in the mail for voting on Country Club Board of Director positions.
Our community is very fortunate to have four highly qualified nominees for the three positions on the board that are up for election. Please read their profiles in this edition of The Villager and submit your ballot. Results will be announced at the annual meeting.
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