The Medina City Council on Tuesday shot down statements that Mayor Mark Nelson gave in Olympia to support House Bill 2211, which calls for tolling to begin next year on Highway 520 without a fare for I-90.

Nelson endorsed the legislation during a Feb. 19 House Transportation Committee hearing, speaking for Medina without the council’s permission, council members said.

The City Council tried to negate that testimony at a March 3 special meeting, voting to send a letter to the committee that “strongly opposes” the measure.

All councilmembers except Nelson voted to approve the letter, which states that the city wants to see tolling of the I-90 and Evergreen Point bridges at the same time and rate.

The concern is that House Bill 2211 would spell the end of consideration for tolling on I-90.

Rep. Judy Clibborn of Mercer Island, who introduced the measure, has said that fares should not apply to that interstate.

Nelson told the council that he only endorsed House Bill 2211 as a first step toward systemwide tolling, explaining that he thought the measure had enough support in Olympia to get things moving in that direction.

“If I stepped in front of the council on this…I apologize,” he said.

House bill 2211 would authorize the use of tolls to collect $1.2 billion for a new bridge that will cost an estimated $4.6 billion to $6.6 billion.

The measure would limit the 2008 fare to $3.25 per trip and allow for an increase to $3.80 once the new structure is complete in 2016.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425.453.4290.