City of Madras Withdraws Ballot Measure

A ballot measure that was going to be proposed to voters in May requesting a five (5%) percent tax on prepared food and beverages served within Madras City limits to fund road repairs has been withdrawn from the ballot. City Administrator Gus Burril and staff made the decision to pull the proposed Prepared Food & Beverage tax measure due to the economic climate created by the corona virus. City Council will vote to ratify the decision to withdrawal at their March 24^th council meeting.

“In light of the deep financial impact COVID-19 restrictions are having on the restaurant establishments, we’ve made the decision to withdraw the measure  from the May election and revisit the idea when the economy is in a stronger position,” stated City Administrator Gus Burril.

Jefferson County’s deadline to withdraw the measure was March 19^th, prior to the Council’s March 24^th meeting. Therefore, the decision was made to withdraw the measure and have it ratified at the meeting. “Even though the measure would not go into effect until April 2021, we need to give our local businesses time to recuperate from this situation,” stated Mayor Richard Ladeby.

The City plans to revisit the idea once the economy is in a stronger position.

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