Hubbard residents will soon weigh in on whether to implement a citywide gas and diesel tax.

If passed, Measure 24-509 would establish a 3 cent per gallon tax on motor vehicle fuel sold, used or distributed within city limits.

The proposed fuel tax is expected to generate approximately $132,814 annually. This revenue would go to street and road-related projects. This includes construction, reconstruction, maintenance and general improvements to public roads under city control.

City officials have pointed to sidewalk and road improvements as key priorities. One of the first projects on the list is completing the sidewalk along Third Street between A Street and Moon Beam Drive, according to the city.

Hubbard currently has two fuel stations within city limits, the Shell and Chevron stations on Highway 99E. If approved, the revenue from the tax would remain in Hubbard, unlike state and federal transportation funds that can be redirected elsewhere.

Multiple Oregon cities have already implemented gas taxes similar to Hubbard’s proposed measure. Nearby, Woodburn has a 1 cent per gallon tax.

According to city records, the tax would apply to all motor vehicle fuel dealers and be collected monthly, mirroring similar systems already in place in other Oregon communities.

Oregon already has a statewide fuel tax of 40 cents per gallon, so if the local measure is passed, Hubbard residents would pay 43 cents per gallon.

Ballots for the May special election were mailed out April 30. If passed, the tax would take effect in September.