HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-535 Valley Regional Transit Tax Authority
CITY OF MERIDIAN
RESOLUTION NO. &6 - 5 J '?
BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
BIRD, BORTON, ROUNTREE, WARDLE
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MERIDIAN, TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
COALITION FOR REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO SEEK
LEGISLATION ALLOWING A VOTE BY THE ELECTORATE TO ALLOW
FOR LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING OPTION TO PURSUE
FOR THE ADOPTED VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT REGIONAL
OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the population of Ada and Canyon counties is projected to be over one
million by the year 2030; and
WHEREAS, community leaders in the region know that a sustainable transportation
system is critical to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, rapid growth in the region will continue to increase the number of
vehicles on our roads, resulting in increased traffic congestion and negative impacts to air
quality; and
WHEREAS, Idaho is one of four states that does not provide either state funds or
local option taxing authority for local public transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, federal matching funds in the Nampa urbanized area are going unused
due to lack of local matching funds; and
WHEREAS, Valley Regional Transit in the Treasure Valley will be prohibited from
using federal funding for operating expenses by October 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation (Coalition) formed
through the support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce to study the issue of
public transportation and identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition was divided into two groups: a community leaders group
composed of business leaders, and a local elected officials group; and
Valley Regional Transit Resolution - Legislative Approval
for Local Option Tax Authority
Page 1 of3
WHEREAS, each group met separately between November 2005 and January 2006 to
learn about public transportation and study Valley Regional Transit's proposed plan for a
future public transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the two groups formed a joint leadership group and met in February,
March, April, and May of2006 to confirm their support for the proposed regional plan and
identifY a stable funding source that would adequately fillance the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, public transportation was determined by the Coalition to be an important
component of the transportation system and an essential public service in rural and urban
areas; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition recommendation supports the concept that citizens should
have the ability to vote to tax themselves for important community services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Meridian reviewed the Coalition's recommendation for
seeking legislative authority to have local option authority to allow citizens to vote for sales
tax funding to support public transportation services.
WHEREAS, Meridian is, per capita, the most underserved community in the State of
Idaho in terms of public transportation services; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO:
Section 1.
That the City of Meridian accepts the recommendation of
the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation for seek legislative authority to allow
citizens to vote for a local option authority sales tax as the funding option to pursue for
the adopted Valley Regional Transit Regional Operations and Capital Improvement Plan.
Section 2.
That this Resolution shall be ill full force and effect
immediately upon its adoption and approval.
ADOPTED by the City Council ofthe City of Meridian, Idaho, this J ~ day of
(fJ c.fr:; h.h.. ---' , 2006.
?rd
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this d - day of
Oc-h,,~ ,2006.
Valley Regional Transit Resolution - Legislative Approval
for Local Option Tax Authority
Page 2 of3
ATTEST:
-.--------..
L.Jer P
By:
_ . SIAL
William G. Berg, Jr., City Clqk"1:~ ,f,}
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Valley Regional Transit Resolution - Legislative Approval
for Local Option Tax Authority
Page 3 of3
CITY OF MERIDIAN
RESOLUTION NO.
BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
BIRD, BORTON, ROUNTREE, WARDLE
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO ACCEPT THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE COALITION FOR REGIONAL PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING
OPTION TO PURSUE FOR THE ADOPTED VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT
REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the population of Ada and Canyon counties is projected to be over
one million by the year 2030; and
WHEREAS, community leaders in the region know that a sustainable
transportation system is critical to sustain. and enhance economic development
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, rapid growth in the region will continue to increase the number of
vehicles on our roads, resulting in increased traffic congestion and negative impacts to air
quality; and
WHEREAS, Idaho is one of four states that does not provide either state funds or
local option taxing authority for local public transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, federal matching funds in the Nampa urbanized area are going unused
due to lack of local matching funds; and
WHEREAS, Valley Regional Transit in the Treasure Valley will be prohibited
from using federal funding for operating expenses by October 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation (Coalition) formed
through the support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce to study the issue of
public transportation and identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition was divided into two groups: a community leaders
group composed of business leaders, and a local elected officials group; and
WHEREAS, each group met separately between November 2005 and January 2006
to learn about public transportation and study Valley Regional Transit's proposed plan for a
future public transportation system; and
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COALITION FOR REGIONAL
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING OPTION
Page 1 of2
WHEREAS, the two groups formed a joint leadership group and met in February,
March, April, and May of 2006 to confirm their support for the proposed regional plan and
identify a stable funding source that would adequately finance the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, public transportation was determined by the Coalition to be an
important component of the transportation system and an essential public service in rural
and urban areas; and
WHEREAS, on this date, the City of Meridian reviewed the public transportation
funding recommendation of the Coalition.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO:
Section 1. That the City of Meridian accepts the recommendation of the Coalition
for Regional Public Transportation for local option sales tax as the funding option to pursue
for the adopted Valley Regional Transit Regional' Operations and Capital Improvement
Plan.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon
its adoption and approval. I
ADOPTED by the City Council of Meridian, Idaho
, ,
day of
,2006.
APPROVED by the Mayor of t~e City of Meridian, Idaho, this
day of
, 2006.
APPROVED:
MAYOR TAMMYdeWEERD
ATTEST:
WILLIAM G. BERG, JR., CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COALITION FOR REGIONAL
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING OPTION
Page 2 of2
Page 1 of 1
Will Berg
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:37 AM
Sharon Smith; Will Berg; Shaun Wardle (shaunwardle@yahoo.com)
FW: Request to make presentation to Meridian City Council regarding Coalition for Public
Transportation Funding Recommendation
Attachments: Resolution Template-Adopt Coalition Funding Recommendation for PT.doc; coalitionpacket.pdf
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tara Green
Here is her request...,
From: Linda Ihli [mailto:lihli@valleyride.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 30,20069:31 AM
To: Tara Green
Subject: Request to make presentation to Meridian City Council regarding COalition for Public Transportation Funding
Recommendation
Tara,
I had talked to Will Berg in July regarding this request. We are getting down to the wire now and hope that this can be
put on your Council's agenda in September.
Kelli Fairless, Executive Director of Valley Regional Transit, would like to be placed on the Meridian City Council
agenda to give a presentation on a funding recommendation for public transportation as proposed by the Coalition for
Public Transportation. The Coalition is a group of community business leaders and local elected officials who formed,
through the support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce, to study the issue of public transportation and
identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source. Mayor deWeerd has participated in the Local Officials
Group of the Coalition.
We are seeking your Council's endorsement for the funding recommendation through a resolution. I have attached a
template for the resolution, as well as a packet of information regarding the funding recommendation. All the
supporting resolutions will go into the Coalition's final report, which we hope to have compiled by the end of
September. So if the Council could review the funding recommendation and vote on the resolution at the same
meeting, it would be appreciated. I would need a copy of the signed resolution to include in the report. The report is
being compiled to present to the Legislature in January.
Thank you for considering this request.
Linda Ihli, Executive Administrative Assistant
Valley Regional Transit
830 N Main Street, Suite 230
Meridian,ID 83642
208-846-8547 ext 4216
FAX 208-846-8564
Email address lihli@ valleyregionaltransit. org
9/6/2006
(Insert Entity Name) RESOLUTION
COALITION FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FUNDING RECOMMENDATION
RESOLUTION (insert number)
BY THE (insert entity name) TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
COALITION FOR REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL OPTION
SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING OPTION TO PURSUE FOR THE ADOPTED VALLEY
REGIONAL TRANSIT REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the population of Ada and Canyon counties is projected to be over one million
by the year 2030; and
WHEREAS, community leaders in the region know that a sustainable transportation system
is critical to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, rapid growth in the region will continue to increase the number of vehicles on
our roads, resulting in increased traffic congestion and negative impacts to air quality; and
WHEREAS, Idaho is one of four states that does not provide either state funds or local
option taxing authority for local public transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, federal matching funds in the Nampa urbanized area are going unused due to
lack of local matching funds; and
WHEREAS, Valley Regional Transit in the Treasure Valley will be prohibited from using
federal funding for operating expenses by October 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation (Coalition) formed through the
support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce to study the issue of public transportation
and identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition was divided into two groups: a community leaders group
composed of business leaders, and a local elected officials group; and
WHEREAS, each group met separately between November 2005 and January 2006 to learn
about public transportation and study Valley Regional Transit's proposed plan for a future public
transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the two groups formed a joint leadership group and met in February, March,
April, and May of 2006 to confirm their support for the proposed regional plan and identify a stable
funding source that would adequately finance the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, public transportation was determined by the Coalition to be an important
component of the transportation system and an essential public service in rural and urban areas;
and
WHEREAS, on this date, (insert entity name) reviewed the public transportation funding
recommendation of the Coalition.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE (insert entity name):
Section 1. That the (insert entity name) accepts the recommendation of the Coalition for
Regional Public Transportation for local option sales tax as the funding option to pursue for the
adopted Valley Regional Transit Regional Operations and Capital Improvement Plan.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effective immediately upon its
adoption by the (entity name) and its approval by the (insert proper title).
ADOPTED by the (insert entity name), this
day of
,2006.
,2006.
APPROVED by the (insert proper title) this ~day of
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
SECRETARY
(INSERT PROPER TITLE)
..~'
< "",.,'j ,.'
VAl If" RfWON/U liMNSH
/
/
Local Option Transit Tax IRegional Public Transportation
Authority
The Coalition for Regional Public Transportation, which is based in the Treasure Valley,
is a large group of business leaders and local officials who are concerned about the future
of public transportation in the region. This Coalition began meeting in November 2005
with the intent of learning more about transit on a local, regional and national level, about
how public transportation works, how it is funded, and what needs to be done to develop
a regional public transportation system in the Treasure Valley.
In May 2006, the Coalition completed work on a recommendation for a local funding
source available to any regional public transportation authority in the state to fund public
transportation. The proposed funding legislation is a revision of the existing regional
public transportation (RPT A) code. It would give RPT As the ability to ask voters to
approve a sales tax dedicated for transit.
Included in this packet is the following information:
· The key elements of the Treasure Valley regional public transportation plan.
. A cost projection for Treasure Valley bus operations and high capacity transit
development.
. A question and answer sheet on the funding recommendation, along with a coalition
membership list.
. Fact sheet about the proposed legislation.
A copy of the RS, including the statement of purpose and fiscal note, and a color map
showing the six-year build out ofthe regional transit system, are available on our
website: www.valleyregionaltransit.org.Click on the Transit Coalition link on the left
side of the home page.
For more information on the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation and the funding
recommendation, you can visit www.valleyregionaltransit.org or contact Roy Eiguren,
VRT Legislative Consultant, at 208-388-1200 (e-mail: RoyEiguren@givenspursley.com).
830 N. Main
SUite 230
Meridian, ID
83642
(P) 208-846-8S47
(F) 208-846-8564
What are the Key Elements of the Treasure Valley
Regional Public Transportation Plan?
Valley Regional Transit (VRT), the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties
was established by a majority of citizens (70 percent) in a ballot referendum held in November 1998.
VRT is a public agency governed by a board of 28 local elected and appointed officials charged with
planning, coordinating and implementing public transportation services in the two-county region.
The 2005 base system was established by VRT in a restructure of transit services in and between the
cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Boise and Garden City. The goals for the restructure were to establish a
foundation to build future regional service improvements, improve regional connections, make the system
simple and direct, and offer more frequent services on key corridors.
The plan for service expansion builds on the 2005 base system and offers services in every city in
Ada and Canyon counties. The build-out for the system would be completed in a six-year time frame
with the requested funding level.
The coverage and frequency of services and hours of operations are scaled to fit the need of rural and
urban communities. Transit infrastructure such as park and ride lots, transit centers, and maintenance
and operations facilities are proposed to tie the services together through a regionally coordinated capital
plan.
The plan emphasizes improving regional connections along major corridors and improving options to
make the services more desirable to commuters as well as those who are dependent on the transit
system to meet their transportation needs. The services would include expanded hours of service (5 a.m.
to 10 p.m.) along many of the major routes, as well as additional frequency, which would increase peak
service from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes in key regional corridors and local routes.
Beyond the six-year plan, the longer~term vision for transit in the region includes acquiring the existing
rail corridor, and locating, designing and building the transit infrastructure referenced above. High
capacity transit, such as bus rapid transit and fixed~guideway streetcar services will be developed in key
transportation corridors and urban centers.
If You Build it Will They Ride?
Local and state leaders have heard from thousands of citizens between 2002 and 2005 through public
opinion surveys, open houses, informational meetings, hearings and community presentations designed
to seek comments and gain an understanding of the needs and wants of area residents for a regional
public transportation system. Below are some of the common themes found in outreach efforts:
. 2002 - In a random telephone survey conducted by Northwest Research of 600 households in
Ada and Canyon counties 88 percent of survey respondents in both Ada and Canyon counties
said they support developing regional transit services. Eighty percent of respondents indicated
they would use the services one to two times a week
. 2003 - A random telephone survey of 600 residents in Idaho found that 60 percent of survey
respondents identified a lack of public transportation services in Idaho as the #1 and #2 "major
causes" of transportation problems in the state.
. 2004 poll of Boise Metro Chamber members concerning the quality of life in the Treasure Valley
found that 70 percent of respondents think the adequacy of the transportation system to support
growth is a major challenge facing the region's businesses.
. 2003 through 2005 approximately 2,000 residents from the Treasure Valley participated in
workshops, open houses and presentations on the regional transportation system. Strong
support for public transportation was a common theme throughout the planning process.
Increasing gas prices and the pressures of growth on the transportation system in the Treasure Valley
will likely solidify the already strong support for public transportation.
1
Vallry Regional Transit 5 ix-Year Regional Operations and Capital l'aci/ities Plan
Operations Plan
Commuter Services
Service Area
Nampa-Merldian-Boise
Caldwell-Meridian-
Boise
Caldwell-Middleton-
Star-Ea Ie-Boise
Current Service Levels
30 minute peak express Hourly
peak service
Three-hour midday service
One peak express trip
Six-Year Build Out
. Fifteen minute, all day service
· Commuter express services to major employers
No current service
· Fifteen minute, all day service
. Commuter ex ress services to ma -or em
· Service every 15 minutes in peak hours
. Commuter ex ress services to ma 'or em
Local Services
Service Area Current Service Levels Six-Year Build Out
Boise Half-hourly all day service on . All major corridors run every 15 minutes all day
Major corridors in area State, Hyde Park, Warm
east of Boise Towne Springs
Square Mall
West of Milwaukee Hourly service along . Fifteen-minute service on major corridors connecting
Street Five Mile, and along to Meridian including Overland, Franklin, Emerald,
Chinden to Cloverdale. Fairview, Ustick and Hwv 20/26
North of State Street, Hourly local service . Thirty-minute service north of State and west of 20th
west of 20th Street Through-service to mall
Eastern and southern No service . Thirty-minute fixed-route service with route
periphery (south of deviation south of Bergeson, and also northeast of
Bergeson, east of Old river between downtown and junction of Hwy
Penitentiary) 21/Gowen Road
Eagle No service · Service every 15 minutes in peak hours to both
Caldwell and Boise. All-day fixed-route service with
deviation in some neighborhoods
Garden City Hourly, both directions on · Fifteen-minute service on Chinden and on Adams
East of Glenwood, Chinden
south of river
West of Glenwood, Service on Glenwood only . Fifteen minute peak service on State Street
north of Boise River
Kuna No Service . Peak service every 30 minutes connecting to other
routes in the system
Meridian No Service . Extensive coverage with 15 minute frequency on all
major routes
. Flex route service south of Overland between
Cloverdale and Cole
. Flex services in neighborhoods west of Meridian
road and north of Ustick
Nampa, Caldwell Thirty-minute service along the . Mostly two-way service, every 15 minutes along the
Boulevard between the two Boulevard between Nampa and Caldwell and to
cities. Hour service in south southern Nampa, otherwise every 30 minutes within
and east Nampa and Caldwell. each city
. Flex routes for east and west sections of each city
Stops w/in 114 mile of each home
Melba No Service . Hourly service, with demand-responsive access
within each city
Star, Middleton No Service . Service every 15 minutes in peak hours to both
Caldwell and Boise
Parma, Wilder, No Service . Hourly service to Caldwell, via Greenleaf and via
Greenleaf, Notus Notus, with demand-responsive access within each
city
Annual Operating Cost $7,5 million $39.6 million (after Six-year build out)
2
Va//ry fugjona/ Transit S ix- Year &gjonal Operations and CaPital Facilities Plan
C "t I F Tf
dE
t PI
apl a aCI lies an :qUlpmen an
Service Area Six~Year Build Out
Boise . Rolling stock and equipment
. Fixed bus stop system with shelters and benches
. Downtown multi-modal transfer center
· Towne Square Mall transfer center
. Expanded maintenance and operations facility
Meridian . Rolling stock and equipment
. Downtown Meridian administration facility and transfer center
. Transfer center near 1-84
Nampa . Rolling stock and equipment
. East Nampa transfer center
· Downtown Nampa transfer center
. Nampa maintenance and operations facility
Caldwell . Rolling stock and equipment
. Downtown Caldwell transfer center
Ada County . Rolling stock and equipment
. Park and ride facilities serving key commuter corridors
Canyon County . Rolling stock and equipment
. Park and ride facilities serving key commuter corridors
. Rural services transfer centers
Total Six-Year Capital $53,3 million
Investment
High Capacity Transit Service Development Plan
Service Type
Project
Rail
. Corridor preservation
Bus Rapid Transit
· State Street from Eagle to 23' St.
Street Car
Potential Budget for
High Capacity Transit
Pro ram
· Downtown Boise circulator system
$300 million (over 20 year plan)
3
Va/fry fugjona/Transit Six-Year fugiona/ Operations and Capita/Fad/ities Plan
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RECOMMENDATION FOR LOCAL OPTION FUNDING
FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Wbat is the Coalition for Regional Public TransDortation?
The Coalition is composed of business leaders and local officials from the Treasure Valley.
What is the Coalition~s objective?
The Coalition's objective is to develop a recommendation available to any regional public
transportation authority in the state to fund public transportation, The Coalition will continue to
work with the leadership of Valley Regional Transit to enlist support from companies, business
leaders, chambers of commerce, legislators, interested citizens, statewide organizations and
community organizations to achieve passage of state legislation.
Wbv did the Coalition take on this imDortant chaUen~?
Community leaders know that to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities, a
sustainable transportation system is critical, The Treasure Valley is experiencing rapid growth,
The April 2006 Ada and Canyon county population estimate (560,000) is approaching the
current projections for 2010,
Wbat do the projections indicate for the future?
Current trends indicate that the population of Ada and Canyon counties will exceed one million
people by the year 2030. Without significant investments in the transportation system,
including public transportation, this area will not be able to keep up with the transportation
needs. In addition, air quality continues to be a concern with business leaders and residents.
How can Dublic transDortation helD?
- ~ -
The public transportation system planned for the region reduces projected increases in vehicle
miles traveled and vehicle emissions. In order for the region to continue enjoying growth and
prosperity and maintain a viable transportation system, alternatives to the single occupant
vehicle have to be developed and supported.
Is there a plan for regional public transportation in the Treasure Valley?
Valley Regional Transit and the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho
(COMPASS) have developed the regional public transportation plan. The plan includes various
levels and types of service designed to expand transportation choices into a fully integrated
transportation system,
How is Dublic transDortation funded now?
-
The limited transit service available today in Ada and Canyon counties is supported by voluntary
local contributions from the local jurisdictions that receive services, These local contributions
are
40874,0007,870652,1
Page 2.
matched with limited federal funds, The current funding structure is not stable and does not
provide adequate resources to implement effective service levels,
What funding source did the Coalition conclude would be the best option for public
transportation in the region?
The proposed funding legislation is a revision of the existing regional public transportation
authority (RPTA) code, Upon voter approval in an election held within the jurisdictional
boundaries of the RPTA (Ada and Canyon counties), a local option sales tax would be used for
financing, constructing, operating and maintaining public transportation systems where there is
an adopted public transportation plan [Chapter 21, Title 40, Idaho Code],
Would the local option authority apply to any service other than public transportation?
The funds raised under the local option authority of a RPTA could only be used for "Public
Transportation Systems" which would include systems and services designed to transport
customers on local and regional routes, including buses, vanpools, demand response services,
rail, rail corridor, park and ride and so forth, which are compatible with adopted state, regional
or local transportation plans [Section 40-2103].
How would the local option funding be approved?
The local option sales tax could only be on the ballot in November of an even numbered year to
assure a high voter turnout. Approval would be by simple majority [Section 40-2111].
What ,"e the limits on how much sales tax could be levied in a referendum?
The legislation would authorize not more than 0.5 percent tax in the initial election. The local
RPTA will decide the tax rate in the initial election in an amount necessary to support adopted
plans and budgets. In subsequent elections, the maximum tax could not exceed 0.75 percent
[Section 40-2112].
Would the sales tax ever sunset?
The sales tax sunsets after 20 years unless it is reauthorized by voter approval. Reauthorization
in a general election may be considered two (2) years prior to the sunset date. The sales tax
collections will continue until any outstanding bonded indebtedness is retired [Section 40-2112].
How would the bond provisions in the legislation work?
The RPTA, upon 2/3rds voter approval, may issue bonds for purposes of financing its public
transportation infrastructure, A 2/3rds super majority is required by the Idaho Constitution and
is patterned after typical Idaho bond statutes [Section 40-2114 through 40.2118],
How are the sales taxes collected?
Sales taxes are collected through the State Tax Commission and distributed back to the regional
transportation authority [Section 40-2113].
40874.0007.al-0652.1
Coalition for Regional Public Transportation
Community Leadership Group
Dan Stevens, Home Federal, CO-CHAIR
Chuck Winder, The Winder Company CO-
CHAIR
Jon Allen, The Allen Group
Chris Anton, Albertson College of Idaho
Jean Basom, Saint Alphonsus Regional
Medical Center
Teri Bath, Eagle Chamber of Commerce
Todd Boothe, RC Willey
Ross Borden, Boise State University
Diana Brown, Caldwell Chamber of
Commerce
Bob Bruce, CH2M Hill
Ralph Burton, Amalgamated Sugar Co.
Karianne Fallow, Albertsons
Julia Fenwich, Star Chamber of Commerce
Ray Flachbart, Blue Cross ofIdaho
Gary Fletcher, St. Luke's Regional Medical
Center
Ralph Hallquist, Meadow Gold Dairy
John Hanousek, Robert Miller, Hewlett-
Packard Company
Chuck Hedemark, Capital City Development
Corporation
Dale Higer, Stoel Rives
Don Hubble, Hubble Homes
George Iliff. Colliers International
Clarence Jones, Meridian Development
Corporation
Lori Jones, Meridian Chamber of Commerce
Sherry Maupin, Middleton Chamber of
Commerce
Larry Matney, Alliance Title
Mandy Meyers, T-Mobile
Nick Miller, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley
Bev Montgomery, former Legislator
M.C. Niland, WITCO
Tim Olson, Regence Blue Shield
Karen Sander, Downtown Boise Association
Art Schultz, Treasure Valley Engineers
Larry Shaw, Washington Group International
Chris Veloz, Northwest Sales
Rep. Stan Bastian, District 14, Eagle
Sen. John McGee, District 10, Caldwell
Sen. Curt McKenzie, District 12, Nampa
Sen. David Langhorst, District 16, Boise,
Garden City
Rep. Janet Miller, District 17, Boise
Rep. Mark Snodgrass, District 20, Meridian
Rep. Jana Kemp, District 16, Boise, Garden
City
Rep. Margaret Henbest, District 16, Boise,
Garden City
Rep. Nicole LaFavour, Dictrict 19, Boise
Ex officio:
Dan Chadwick, Idaho Association of Counties
(lAC)
Ken Harward, Association of Idaho Cities
(AIC)
Resource Group
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce: Ray
Stark
Boise State University: Ross Borden
City of Boise: Steve Purvis
COMPASS: Matt Stoll/John Cunningham
Idaho Smart Growth: Jon Barrett
Idaho Transportation Department:
Marty Montgomery
Valley Regional Transit: Kelli Fairless
Roy Eiguren, Givens Pursley
Dale Higer, Stoel Rives
Kate Eldridge, HDR, Inc.
Coalition for Public Transportation
Local Officials Group
Mayor John Bechtel
City of Wilder
John Franden, Commissioner
ACHD Commission
Matt Beebe, Commissioner
Canyon County Commission
Ralph Gant, Commissioner
Canyon County Highway District
Chad Bell, City Councilmember
Star City Council
Jeff Lang, City Councilmember
Kuna City Council
Mayor Dave Bieter
City of Boise
Katie Levihn, Coordinator, Planning, Programming
Ada County Highway District
David Bivens, Commissioner
ACHD Commission
Jerome Mapp
Valley Regional Transit Ways & Means Committee
Ross Borden, Special Assistant to the President
Boise State University
Mayor Frank McKeever
City of Middleton
General Jim Brooks
City of Eagle
Mayor Garret Nancolas, Chair
City of Caldwell
Ken Burgess
COMPASS Legislative Relations Committee
Joel Pearsall, Vice President for Financial
Affairs/General Counsel
Northwest Nazarene University
Mark Camopis, Community Relations Manager
Valley Regional Transit
Judy Peavey-Derr, Commissioner
Ada County Commission
John Cunningham, Transportation Planner
COMPASS
Steve Purvis, Office of Internal Audit
City of Boise
Mayor Tom Dale
City ofNampa
Eric Shannon, District III Engineer
Idaho Transportation Department
Mayor Tammy deWeerd
City of Meridian
Matt Stoll, Executive Director
COMPASS
Mayor Matje Dean-Ellmaker
City of Not us
Mayor Margie Watson
City of Parma
Mayor John Evans
City of Garden City
Rick Yzaguirre, Commission
Ada County Commission
Kelli Fairless, Executive Director
Valley Regional Transit
RECOMMENDATION ON LOCAL OPTION TRANSIT FUNDING LEGISLATION
~ The proposed legislation is a revision of the existing regional public transportation authority
(RPTA), upon voter approval, to levy a local option sales tax for the purposes of financing,
constructing, operating and maintaining public transportation systems where there is an
adopted public transportation plan [Chapter 21, Title 40, Idaho Code],
~ "Public Transportation Systems" include systems and services designed to transport customers
on local and regional routes, including buses, vanpools, demand response services, rail, rail
corridor, park and ride and so forth, which are compatible with adopted state, regional or local
transportation plans [Section 40-2103].
~ The sales tax referendum can only be on the ballot in November on even year elections to
assure a high vote turnout and would pass with a simple majority [Section 40-2111].
~ The legislation would authorize not less than 0.1 percent or more than 0.5 percent in the initial
referendum. The tax would be imposed in amounts necessary to support adopted plans and
budgets. The maximum tax authorized would not exceed 0.75 percent [Section 40-2112].
~ The sales tax sunsets after 20 years unless it is reauthorized by voter approval. Reauthorization
in a general election may be considered two (2) years prior to the sunset date. The sales tax
collections continue until existing bonded indebtedness is retired [Section 40-2112].
~ The RPTA, upon 2/3 voter approval, may issue bonds, for purposes of financing its public
transportation infrastructure, Bond. provisions are patterned after typical Idaho bond statutes .
[Section 40-2114 through 40-2118], Debt service is limited to no more than 20 percent of
revenues,
~ Sales taxes are collected through the state tax commission and distributed back to the regional
transportation authority [Section 40-2113],
40874.0007.870652.1