In my opinion the current discussion of a $20 per car motor vehicle excise tax is putting the cart before the horse.

The city’s Public Works Department has a poor record of increasing its output beyond about $7 million in capital projects per year, even when funding is available.

The city lacks an effective project management and cost-accounting system for its capital facilities endeavors.

The cost of the waste-water treatment plant upgrade has gone from about $4 million to over $14 million with limited, incomplete, and often confusing explanations to the council and ratepayers.

Prior to considering new taxes for road repairs, there needs to be changes in the Public Works Department, including:

–New management, starting with replacement of the director and city engineer.

– Selection, installation and two years operational experience with an integrated project management and cost-accounting system.

– A forensic audit of the reasons for the delays and cost overruns in the waste-water treatment plant upgrade project.

Daniel Smith

Bainbridge Island