Washington County hoping new transit tax can drive it forward

John McPherson's position on a quarter-cent sales tax in Washington County was typical of many residents who spoke against it at a county board hearing recently.

"No more taxes, commissioners. Let's wait for another time and see what we can do," said McPherson, who's served on the West Lakeland Township board for 40 years.

But Karen Fitzpatrick of Mahtomedi had a much different view.

"We need to see ourselves as part of the metro area," she said. "Our transportation infrastructure here, as you all know, is pathetic."

Polar opinions were on display at the April 1 bare-knuckle public hearing, followed by pointed comments by each of the five commissioners. The tax passed on a 3-2 vote. With that decision, Washington County became the fifth metro-area county -- joining Dakota, Ramsey, Anoka and Hennepin -- to join a coalition to raise money for mass transit and decide where it will be spent.

"There's no question it was a difficult vote for all of them," said Jim Schug, the county's administrator. "It was a tough vote but the commissioners are working together."

Now, Washington County begins working on organizational details, including definitions of "transitway," to jockey into the mass-transit picture.

Commissioners Dennis Hegberg and Myra Peterson -- both of whom voted for the tax -- will represent the county on the Counties Transit Improvement Board, the new joint powers organization that will administer money collected from the sales tax and a companion excise tax.

The other vote in favor came from Dick Stafford, who represents most of Woodbury. "We need many forms of transit in order to have a viable society," he said before casting his vote.

The sales tax begins on July 1.

Gary Kriesel, one of two commissioners who voted against the tax on the grounds that too little was known about it, said afterward that he remains perplexed and disappointed at the outcome.

"We're going to do everything it takes to be successful," said Kriesel, who represents the Stillwater and Afton areas. "I'm just concerned that the commissioners that voted for it will have a little buyers' remorse."

But Hegberg said that the tax is small, won't be assessed on essentials like food, and will bring income in part from residents who don't live in Washington County but shop there. Woodbury's retail powerhouse along I-94 will generate about half of the $5 million in annual sales tax revenue that the county expects each year, he said.

About 175 attended the meeting, which lasted more than four hours as dozens of residents expressed their views on the tax. Sheriff's deputies twice had to intervene when men in the crowd taunted commissioners and refused to sit.

Bill Pulkrabek, the other commissioner who voted against the tax, said the meeting attracted people on both sides of the issue who felt strongly about their positions. "Even though I voted against it, I certainly hope from the county's perspective that it works out," said Pulkrabek, who represents Oakdale and Lake Elmo. "I won't work to circumvent it or somehow harm the joint-powers agreement."

Elections coming

Hegberg, who has represented the Forest Lake and Hugo areas since 1989, said he plans to run for reelection this fall and expects a challenge from transit-tax opponents. He said he won't be intimidated by threats, even though he's received several angry e-mails since the vote.

"I serve the entire population of Washington County and my district, not just individuals," he said.

Opponents of the tax also covet the seat held by Stafford, who was appointed interim commissioner after Greg Orth died in December. Hegberg said he expects another vote on Washington County's involvement with the transit board and the sales tax if a commissioner who opposes the tax replaces Stafford in November.

Kevin Giles • 651-298-1554