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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-05 - Voters Pamphletvoter JTES C pamphlet Oregon Vote -by -Mail Special Election I Nov. 5, 2013 Drop Site Locations Bend Deschutes Service Center 1300 NW Wall St Box located on Parkway side of building Available 7 days a week Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: open until 8 pm Drive -By Drop Site Corner of Wall St and Lafayette Ave (Parking Area) (Extended hours for this election) Fri & Mon, Nov 1 & 4: 8 am — 6 pm Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: 7 am - 8 pm Deschutes County Road Department 61150 SE 27"' St Available 7 days a week Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: open until 8 pm La Pine Drive -By Drop Site La Pine Public Library 16425 First St list St & Huntington Rd Beginning Friday, Nov 1: 24 -hour drive -by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: open until 8 pm Redmond Redmond City Hall 716 SW Evergreen Ave Oct 21 -Nov 4: 8am -5pm (Usual Business Hours & Days) Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: 8 am - 8 pm Redmond (continued) Drive -By Drop Site — located on west side of Library Redmond Public Library 827 SW Deschutes Ave Beginning Friday, Nov 1: 24 -hour drive -by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: open until 8 pm Sisters Sisters City Hall 520 E Cascade Ave Oct 21 —Nov 4: 8am -5pm (Usual Business Hours & Days) Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: 8 am - 8 pm Sunriver Drive -By Drop Site Sunriver Area Public Library Sunriver Business Park 56855 Venture Ln Friday, Nov 1: 8 am - 5 pm Monday, Nov 4: 8 am — 6 pm Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: 8 am - 8 pm Terrebonne Terrebonne Sheriff Substation 815411th St, Suite 3 Friday & Monday, Nov 1 & 4: 8am -1 pm and 2pm -5pm Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5: 8am -1 pm and 2pm -8pm County Clerk's office, 1300 NW Wall St, Upper Floor, Bend - Privacy Booths Provided Monday through Friday: 8 am to 5 pm Election Day, Tuesday, November 5,2013: 7 am to 8pm Remember! All ballots must be received at an official drop site or the Deschutes County Clerk's office no later than 8 pm, Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Postmarks Do Not Count! Voting Information Registering to Vote To be eligible to vote in the November 5, 2013 Special Election, a completed voter registration card must be postmarked by Tuesday, October 15, 2013. To Register To Vote In Oregon, You Must Be: 1. A resident of Oregon. 2. A United States citizen. 3. At least 17 years of age. If you are 17 years of age, you will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday. You Must Update Your Registration If: • Your residence or mailing address changes. • Your name changes. • You wish to change your party affiliation. • Your signature changed. Important Note: If you have moved or your name has changed and you have not yet updated your registration, you are still eligible to vote. Contact the Deschutes Coun- ty Elections office, 541 - 388 -6547 for further information. Voters With Disabilities: If you are unable to vote your ballot without assistance, contact the Deschutes County Elections office at 541 - 388 -6547. We will provide two persons to assist you in voting. To assure your voted ballot is received by election day, contact the elections office early to arrange for assistance. You may also select someone else of your own choice to assist you. A cassette edition of the Voters' Pamphlet is available. To order, please contact Independent Living Resources at 503 - 232 -7411 or TTY 503 - 232 -8408. Voting Instructions Check Your Ballot! To vote you must blacken the oval (M) completely with a pen (black or blue ink). To write -in a name — Write the name on the solid line and fill in the oval (M) to the left of the write -in line. Remember, if stated on your ballot, vote both sides of your ballot. Deschutes County Election Results: Unofficial Election results are available after 8:00 PM on November 5th from the County Clerk's office or online at www .deschutes.org/electionresults. The results will be updated throughout the night. 9 -2 1 Voting Information Make sure you have completely filled in the oval next to your choices. If you vote for more candidates than allowed, or if you vote both Yes and No on a measure, it is called an overvote. Your vote will not count for that candidate or measure. You do not have to vote on all contests. Those you do vote on will still be counted. Contact Deschutes County Elections office at 541 - 388 -6547 to request a replacement ballot if: 3 you make a mistake -a your ballot is damaged or spoiled 4 your ballot is lost or for any other reason. 1- 866 - ORE -VOTES (se habla Espanol) www.oregonvotes.gov TTY 1- 800 - 735 -2900 Deschutes County Elections and Voting 1300 NW Wall St. Bend, Oregon Measure 9 -94 City of Bend Explanatory Statement The measure, if approved, would increase the temporary lodging tax rate from 9% to 10% of the rent charged for the short term lodging effective June 1, 2014 and would increase the temporary lodging tax rate to 10.4% effective June 1, 2015. Short -term lodg- ing is a stay of less than 30 days in short-term lodging such as a hotel, motel, vacation rental or similar lodging facility. If approved, the first sentence of Bend Code Section 12.05.015(1) would be amended as follows: (1) Each occupant shall pay a tax in the amount of 10% of the rent for the period from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. Each occupant shall pay a tax in the amount of 10.4% of the rent effective June 1, 2015. The occupant shall pay the room tax with the rent payment. If approved, the increase is likely to lead to increased revenue for the City of Bend. Under state law, 70% of the incremental revenue resulting from the increased tax would be allocated to the promo- tion of tourism. If approved, the incremental amount allocated to tourism promotion is estimated to total about $410,000 per year once the full 1.4% increase is fully implemented. It is anticipated that additional revenues, if the increase is approved, would be used to expand marketing and advertising Bend as a destination to select markets, promote winter and shoulder season tourism in Bend, and provide for other tourism promotion efforts. The remaining 30% of the incremental revenue, if the measure is ap- proved, would be used for police and fire services. There is some possibility that the increase in the lodging tax rate, if approved, would result in some reduction in temporary lodging stays in Bend. (This information furnished by Robyn Christie, City Recorder, City of Bend.) 9 -3 1 Measures As members of Bend's business community, we strongly support Measure 9 -94 and ask you to join us in voting YES. Tourism is the primary lifeline for Bend's business community. Tourists contribute over $500 million annually to our regional economy, impacting every type of business. Furthermore, tourism generates long term investment by attracting new residents and businesses that relocate their families and jobs to Bend. These new residents and jobs increase home values and improve the economy for all Bend residents. Measure 9 -94 will: • Generate approximately $300,000 annually for tourism marketing, $200,000 for Bend's police and fire depart- ments, and $150,000 for the arts —AT NO COSTTO LOCAL RESIDENTS. • Expand Bend's tourism marketing reach into Seattle and Northern California to attract visitors and investment from these currently untapped markets, producing an additional $42 million of visitor spending annually in Central Oregon. • Purchase new technology for Bend's Police and Fire Departments to help ensure they can meet the demands of Bend's growing population of visitors and residents. • Establish a Cultural Tourism Fund to further enhance Bend's economy by cultivating the cultural assets of our community which are vital to attracting new visitors, residents, and jobs. Every dollar the City of Bend invests in economic development, public safety, and the cultivation of the arts impacts our community in a very positive way. Please learn more at www.BendTAPS, co and join us in voting YES on Measure 9 -94. Bill Smith, Old Mill District Mike Hollern, Brooks Resources Amy Tykeson, BendBroadband Pamela Hulse Andrews, Cascade Business News Dave Rathbun, Mt. Bachelor Bob Nosler, Nosier Inc. Dave Nissen, Wanderlust Tours Chuck Arnold, Downtown Bend Business Association Doug La Placa, Visit Bend Jade Mayer, Brooks Resources Dennis Oliphant, Sun Country Tours (This information furnished by Chuck Arnold.) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. Measure 9 -94 Arguments Em As hotel and lodging professionals, we support Measure 9 -94 and ask you to join us in voting YES. Bend's current lodging tax rate of 9% (plus 1% for state tax) is lower than many similar cities and tourism destinations. By leaving Bend's rate below industry standard, our City is missing the opportunity to reinvest critical economic development, cultural, and public safety dollars into our community. If approved, this increased tax on overnight visitors will benefit every segment of our community, including the hotel and lodging industry: Measure 9 -94 will: • Ensure tourists pay their fair -share of the public resources they use while visiting. • Expand Bend's tourism marketing reach into Seattle and California. • Attract new visitors and investment into our community. • Improve winter tourism when Bend's economy needs it most. • Establish funding for Bend's arts and cultural programs that enhance the quality of life for locals and attract new tourists. • Provide much needed funding for Bend's police and fire departments. Measure 9 -94 is an opportunity for us to improve our economy for generations to come - at no cost to local residents. Please vote YES on Measure 9 -94. Ben Perle, Oxford Hotel Group Tom Penn, Phoenix Inn Suites Scott Woods, Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Julio Ongpin, TownePlace Suites Marriott Matt Williams, Pine Ridge Inn Erick Trachsel, Phoenix Inn Suites Annie Goldner, Hillside Inn Bed & Breakfast David Bafford, Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast (This information furnished by Ben Perle, Oxford Hotel Group.) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. �W r ft" µ 9 -4 1 Measures Measure 9 -94 is a smart investment in Bend's future. At no cost to local residents, Measure 9 -94: • Expands Bend's tourism promotion into new markets, attracting $42 million in new tourism revenue annually. • Invests in Bend's police and fire departments with $200,000 in new funding. • Creates a Cultural Tourism Fund to invest in Bend's art and culture organizations. Why is a Cultural Tourism Fund important? During 2012, cultural travelers spent $19.6 billion in Oregon. Bend's arts and cultural events, programs, and products can —and should —tap these ad- ditional, potential dollars. Across Oregon and surrounding states there are 47.5 million travelers who consider themselves cultural tourists — Measure 9 -94 will bring them to Bend. Art and culture define a community's personality and quality of life, but an investment in art and culture is also an investment in Bend's creative economy. Bend's creative economy supports 160 jobs, generates $16 million per year in local spending, and provides nearly 2 million cultural experiences per year. Measure 9 -94 provides strategic funding to reinvest in both our economy and community well -being at no cost to residents. A vibrant cultural economy attracts more visitors, new residents, new business opportunities, and new jobs. Measure 9 -94 is a positive investment in, and for, Bend. Learn more at www.BendTAPS com and join us in voting YES on November 5. Kelly Cannon Miller, Deschutes County Historical Society Ray Solley, Tower Theatre Foundation Cate O'Hagan, Arts Central Frank Groundwater, BendFilm Inc. Jody Ward, Art In Public Places Inc. Amy Mentuck, The Nature of Words Art and Culture Alliance Rene Mitchell, Scalehouse (This information furnished by Kelly Cannon - Miller, Deschutes County Historical Society.) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. Measure 9 =94 Arguments As public safety advocates, we support Measure 9 -94 and encour- age you to join us in voting YES. This measure provides an opportunity to ensure Bend's growing population of tourists pay their fair share of the Police and Fire services they use. Money generated by Measure 9 -94 will replace the Police and Fire Department's antiquated mobile data terminals with new tablet based technology. This investment will improve Bend's public safety response, dispatch, and data capabilities — helping Bend's Police and Fire Departments maintain service levels and response times for visitors and local residents alike. Measure 9 -94 will not completely solve Bend's public safety funding shortfall, but it will generate approximately $200,000 per year that will help ensure Bend's Police and Fire Departments can meet the demands of our growing population. Bend's current lodging tax rate is below many similar cities and tourism destinations. Lodgin_o taxes are paid only by guests stay- ing at local hotels resorts and vacation rentals. Bend's Police and Fire Departments are major contributors to the extraordinary quality of life in our community. Please support them by voting YES on Measure 9 -94. Jim Clinton, Mayor of Bend Jodie Barram, Bend Mayor Pro Tern Mark Capell, Bend City Councilor Douglas Knight, Bend City Councilor Sally Russell, Bend City Councilor (This information furnished by Jim Clinton.) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. 9 -5 1 Measures 1 There are already sufficient funds available for local tourism and arts marketing, they just need to be spent more efficiently: Seven local tourism and arts marketers receive "TLT' funds. (TourOregon, Central Oregon Visitors Association, VisitBend and 4 other organization in Sunriver, LaPine, Redmond & Sisters). Two other organizations also distribute business- funded guides. Certainly if these organizations worked together to share ad- vertisements and eliminate overhead, more than enough funds would be available to expand tourism and arts marketing! 2 Increased taxes hurt business. In the Council hearings (Bend City Council Documents Archives: 2/6/13,6/19/2013 & 6/17/2013 "round table "), most hoteliers opposed the tax because it hurts business. Is a tax increase to support business justified when many stated that 'TLT'- funded marketing provided only a small amount of their customers? In the "2012 Bend Area Visitors Survey ", 75% of Bend tourists relied on "word of mouth" and "previous visits" to make their decision to visit Bend. Only 4% relied on VisitBend website, and 5% on publications. 3. Bylaw, 30% of the proposed 1.4% point `TL T' increase would go to support fire and police. However $175,000 additional fund- ing would amount to less that 1% increase in the public safety budget. The Bend 2013 -15 budget will already fund additional hiring of 2 police, 3.5 fire and 9 other city workers. In addition, Bend Fire plans a 2014 ballot for a property levy. Because it would replace expiring County levies, it would not result in a net tax increase. (Bend Bulletin 5/14/2013, 8/13/2013). 4. Claims by BendTaps.com that Bend "TLT' is relatively low are misleading. Taps includes tax AND fees to make their case. Fees are typically resort charges. Sunriver "TLT' is 8 %, not 23% (tax & fee). If approved, Bend's total "TLT" will be 11.4 %, second to Portland's 13% and higher than Eugene's 10.5 %. Taxes should only collect what is necessary to do the job, not what the taxpayers can afford to pay. Vote No. (This information furnished by David White.) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. Measure 9 -95 Deschutes County r--�W L Proposed Fire Maui= Boundary Proposed Alfalfa � county Boundary Fire Ma* Reads District Map Taxbls PubricLand 9 -6 � Measures Explanatory Statement The proposed Alfalfa Fire District would include the area located generally in the Alfalfa area of Deschutes County and a small por- tion of Crook County. The purpose of the proposed special fire district, when fully func- tional, authorized by ORS Chapter 478, is to organize for rural fire protection for property within the district, enter into mutual aid agreements, apply for grants, train members, educate the public, purchase and maintain necessary equipment, land, and structures as required for operating a fire district and department, and provide emergency medical assistance. Funds for operating the district will be provided by levying taxes on all real property within the district as well as possible grants or loans. The governing body shall consist of five members elected from the District at large for four -year terms with the first members having staggered terms. The first board of directors shall be elected in this same election. If approved by the voters, although the district will form in 2013, the District cannot levy taxes until the 2014 -2015 tax year. Prior to the 2014 -2015 tax year, the District will likely seek revenues from other sources such as grants and tax anticipation notes. If approved, the measure would authorize the district to tax proper- ties within the district for the above listed services at a maximum permanent tax limit of $1.75 per $1,000 assessed value and is estimated to raise $101 092 00 in o - p erating funds for the District in the first year. The District, however, need not levy the full amount of the permanent tax rate in any given year. The District governing body will determine the amount to levy each year based upon the fiscal budget ap- proved each year by the district budget committee consisting of the District governing body and three electors from the District appointed by the District governing body. The district budget committee and, with a few exceptions, district meetings will be open to the public. The estimated first year, which shall be the 2014 -2015 tax year, ad valorem tax levy is $1.75 per $1,000 assessed value and is expected to raise $101,092.00 in operating funds for the District in the first year. (This information furnished by Alan Unger, Chair Board of County Commissioners.) Measure 9 -96 Deschutes County Explanatory Statement Guests of hotels, motels and other overnight accommodations pay transient room taxes. The County's current transient room tax of 7% was established in 1988. Revenues from transient room taxes are used to promote tourism and to partially pay for County services and facilities provided to County residents and visitors. The cities of Bend and Redmond currently impose a 9% transient room tax. Increasing the County room tax to 8% would generate approximately $527,000 in additional revenue annually. The increased revenues would primarily be used to promote tourism and enhance business activity at the Fair and Expo Center. A key component would include a marketing program designed to increase the number of large events to attract visi- tors throughout the region. Up to 30% of the revenue would be used to help fund other county services, such as public safety, health and human services and county infrastructure, available to residents and visitors. Using travel metrics developed by the Travel Industry of America and Travel Oregon, it is estimated that the events and activities at the Fair & Expo Center generated $30 million in economic impact to Central Oregon in 2012. This economic impact consists of the amounts spent by visitors on lodging, meals, transportation, retail and recreation. In addition to its economic impact, the Fair and Expo Center also contributes to the community, for example, by serving as an emergency response command center for natural disasters, and hosting a variety of activities at no cost, such as High School graduations, health and immunization clinics and military memorial services. Approval of this measure would amend the Deschutes County Code ( "DCC ") section 4.08.090, first sentence, to read: "For the privilege of Occupancy in any Hotel, on and after July 1, 2014 each Transient shall pay a Tax in the amount of eight percent (8 %) of the Rent for Occupancy of space in a Hotel." (This information furnished by Alan Unger, Commissioner, Chair, Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners.) 9 -7 � Measures The Fair and Expo Center has a huge economic impact on the County, with $29.3 million from 2012 alone, and the facility has been pumping money into the economy since it opened in 1999. It brings more visitors to the County, puts more 'heads in beds', more diners in restaurants, more shoppers in stores and motor- ists in gas stations, etc. than any other facility in the County. A "YES" vote preserves and protects the investment made to build the Fair & Expo Center. Again, this increase will ONLY be assessed at facilities in the County that are not within city boundaries; and it will be paid by visitors and not Deschutes County residents. Please vote 'YES' for this 1% increase and what it will do for the Fair & Expo Center. (This information furnished by Mike Schiel.) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Deschutes, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. Measure 16 -69 Crooked River Ranch RFPD 9 -8 Measures