Orting cuts car-tab fees, credits voters who approved $30 tabs

ORTING, Wash. — The Orting City Council voted unanimously to stop charging car owners an extra car tab fee which was used for years to repair and maintain streets and sidewalks.

The city's mayor said it was intended to give Orting's voters what it overwhelmingly called for last November, when nearly 66% percent voted in favor of Initiative-976, which would mandate $30 car tabs.

"It was an overwhelming vote saying citizens of Orting and Washington State don't believe that car tabs is the place for you to fund transportation projects," said Orting Mayor Josh Penner. "So we tip our hat to them and say this is what you've said, we want to make sure we govern with your support."

While I-976 is still being settled in the State Supreme Court, some Orting residents are grateful their elected leaders responded to the message sent by voters.

"I think Washingtonians just don't understand, we voted for this," said Anna Olson. "How are you not giving us what we have asked for?"

When you pay for car tabs, chances are, your city charges you an extra fee for local Transportation Benefit Districts, or "TBD." In Seattle, it's an extra $80.

In Orting, it had been $20 dollars per tab.

Mayor Penner said last year the fees raised $141,000 for streets and sidewalks. He said the city will pay for emergency repairs with a reserve fund, and consider other funding sources.

He also said legally, if I-976 is upheld by the court, the city would be forced to refund every car owner the $20 fee.

“Our mayor stands up for his people,” Olson said. “And that’s what the rest of Washington needs to do.”

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