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CLEAR Temp: 77 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Saturday, October 12, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 21, 2002 Eagle Point wheels spin over RVTD tax-vote split By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Some Eagle Point residents who live within city limits and pay taxes to the Rogue Valley Transportation District can’t vote on issues related to the busing agency. But some can — as long as they live within RVTD’s twisted boundary that weaves in and out of the city. RVTD’s boundary is clearly defined around Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, Central Point and White City. Eagle Point is excluded from that boundary by voter choice. However, an unknown number of homes in and around the city are inside the boundary. Some homes are excluded from the boundary, but still taxed by RVTD. The boundary lines make no sense — city, county and RVTD officials admit. It’s also unclear why some properties are taxed but excluded from the boundary. According to Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett, one way to find out if you’re living inside the RVTD boundary is to contact the elections department at 774-6148. "It’s spotty," Beckett said. "It gets confusing." The issue of who can and can’t vote on RVTD issues was raised recently when some Eagle Point residents asked to sign a petition to recall six of the seven member RVTD board of directors. "As long as they live in the transportation district, they can sign the petition," Beckett said. "Even if they pay taxes, they still must live in the district." The issue is further complicated by efforts to remove 340 Eagle Point property owners from RVTD’s tax rolls. Some community members are confused because they are taxed for service, even though there are no fixed bus routes within the city. RVTD’s senior shuttle service does stop in the city. Some Eagle Point taxpayers who are excluded from signing the petitions are calling the situation, "taxation without representation." Eagle Point city officials in 2001 asked the RVTD board to remove those properties from their tax rolls, but the board refused the request. They cited the need to maintain funding within the district and promised to expand services in Eagle Point when funding allowed. On Wednesday, Eagle Point City Administrator David Hussell brought the request before the board once again. He was given no clear answer, and the RVTD board took no action. Despite requests, Jackson County officials say they cannot intervene unless RVTD cuts all services to the city included in its boundary. State leaders have vowed to make a change during the next legislative session if the situation is not corrected. Hussell on Friday said he would like to set up a meeting with RVTD board members and discuss possible options. "I hope that something can be worked out," he added. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S