Road Repair Shortfall and Fee Delays

Bend News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

Bend’s road repair funding hit a snag as the planned utility fee hike was dropped from the City Council’s latest package, leaving a $15 million shortfall meant to replace fading gas tax revenue. City leaders had floated alternatives like registration fees or a summer gas tax — but none stuck. While residents and businesses won’t see the fee jump this year, the city still needs cash for pavement, crosswalks, and bike lanes. Tensions simmer as some business owners feel the burden, and officials eye winter talks — possibly even a county-wide registration fee or a tourist-targeted gas tax — to…