Bend’s new transportation fee is scheduled for a public hearing at the next City Council meeting on March 20.

The hearing will be the public’s final opportunity to weigh in on the proposed fee, which seeks to charge residents and businesses for their impacts on the local transportation system.

The city says revenue from the fee, which will be implemented and likely raised in phases over the next three years beginning July 1, will partially remedy budget shortfalls left behind by property tax collection limitations.

Voters passed a transportation general obligation bond in 2020, which directs funds to building new projects. Revenue from the proposed transportation fee will first go toward maintenance of existing road facilities.

Recent City Council-hosted public listening sessions drew opposition to the fee. Many were upset about the lack of a public vote. The proposed fee is not a tax, so it doesn’t require a vote by residents — only the majority of the City Council’s support.