A five-question poll sent to Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce members showed that area business owners are opposed to a 2008 sales tax increase for transportation projects.

Forty-three chamber members took the online survey regarding a two-tenths of 1 percent – from 8.4 percent to 8.6 percent – sales tax increase being considered for the Nov. 4 ballot. Fifty-seven percent of those who filled out the questionnaire said they "somewhat oppose" or "strongly oppose" the Transportation Benefit District, while 32 percent "strongly favor" or "somewhat favor" the tax-increase option. The remaining 11 percent said they are undecided.

Forty-six percent of respondents said the measure shouldn’t be put on the ballot ever, 18 percent said to put it on the ballot after 2008 and 23 percent said it would be OK with them to put the TBD on the ballot this year.

If approved, the TBD will increase sales tax on discretionary purchases. The increase will not apply to gas, food or mortgages.

"It’s a tough time for a lot of businesses right now," said Bill Littlejohn, chamber board president. "Any increase in taxes this year will be tough."