La Grande voters to decide gas tax, City Council election changes in November

La Grande voters will decide two city measures in November: a proposed 5-cent-per-gallon gas tax and an amendment to the city charter that would change how City Council elections are conducted.

Measure 31-128, if passed, would impose a 5-cent-per-gallon tax on motor vehicle fuel sold within La Grande beginning July 1, 2027.

The tax would remain in effect for five years and expire June 30, 2032, unless renewed by voters.

The city estimates the tax would generate approximately $800,000 per year. Revenue would remain within La Grande and would be used for street maintenance and repairs, including pavement preservation, resurfacing and pothole repair.

Measure 31-127 would amend the La Grande City Charter and change how candidates are elected to the City Council.

Under the proposed amendment, council candidates would no longer run for individually numbered positions. Instead, candidates would run for the council seats up for election, with the candidates receiving the highest number of votes elected to four-year terms. The mayor would continue to be elected separately to a two-year term.

The amendment would also eliminate the city's biennial primary election, meaning candidates for mayor and City Council would appear on the November general election ballot.

The proposal would also change how midterm vacancies are filled. Vacancies would be filled through appointment by the City Council for the remainder of the term. The charter language would also be updated to clarify how vacancies are handled when an elected officer is temporarily absent or unable to serve.

The official documents, which will be mailed out with October's water bill, can be found on the city website links below. 

https://www.cityoflagrande.org/DocumentCenter/View/2140

https://www.cityoflagrande.org/DocumentCenter/View/2141