FAQs

Can the City of Bremerton use this money to help with revenue shortfalls in its General Fund or other funds? And how can I be sure this won't happen?: No, state statue limits how this money may be used. The money collected from this fee may only be used for acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the TBD. This includes preservation and maintenance of our transportation system. Also, state statute requires that the district specifically report how the money is spent each year to insure that this money is not used for purposes other than transportation.

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Transportation Benefit District (TBD)

1. I have a Bremerton address but I don't live within city limits. Am I subject to this fee?: No, the fee only applies to those residents who live within the city limits.

2. Can I pay my fee at City Hall?: No. The fee is assessed when you renew your car tabs/registration with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). The DOL will collect the fee and distribute it to the transportation district for you.

3. The Transportation Benefit District has enacted $20 now. But can they raise this fee in future years?: No, according to state statutes, once the fee is adopted, it cannot be increased during the life of the transportation benefit district without a vote of the people.

4. If in the future the county adopts a similar fee, will I have to pay both?: Although the county also has the authority to create a TBD and enact up to a $20 car tab fee without a vote of the people, they would have to give you credit for any other TBD you are already paying. If the county enacts a fee greater than $20, you may be subject to the incremental difference.

5. Can the City of Bremerton use this money to help with revenue shortfalls in its General Fund or other funds? And how can I be sure this won't happen?: No, state statue limits how this money may be used. The money collected from this fee may only be used for acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the TBD. This includes preservation and maintenance of our transportation system. Also, state statute requires that the district specifically report how the money is spent each year to insure that this money is not used for purposes other than transportation.

6. Are TBD revenues required to be spent as they are collected?: No, the board that creates the TBD must develop a plan that specifies the transportation improvements to be provided or funded by the TBD. The board can indicate if the funds will be used immediately or collected for a specific period prior to spending the accumulated funds.

7. Can TBD money be used for bond payments and/or grant matches?: Yes, but only if the bond proceeds and/or grant is for an eligible transportation improvement.