The city of Bend is backing a change in Oregon law to make it easier to build infrastructure.

One of the promises that the city of Bend made to the community when it was developing its transportation fee was transparency.

There was talk of an annual report, helping Bend residents understand what money was coming in and how it was being spent. The first report is out.

It’s no surprise that it’s not full of shockers.

If you want to know how much money the city has brought in with the fee, it’s there in the report: $1.3 million.

If you want to know how many people are getting discounts through the city’s low income assistance program, it’s there in the report: 329.

The transportation fee is just in its beginnings. It’s going to basically help the city do things such as reduce potholes, ensure smoother pavement, improve winter plowing, create more bike and pedestrian safety and more.

The new report is important transparency because come July you will likely be paying about double for the transportation fee than what you are now. The Bend City Council’s plan has been to increase it. An individual house now pays $5.60 a month. An apartment pays $4.15 a month. Households on the city’s utility assistance program pay $2.80 a month.