KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials with the Central County Transportation Authority (CCTA) are asking voters to consider a tax increase.
The tax would go to directly benefit the public transportation system. The proposal is in the form of a five-year 0.9-mill tax, which would replace the 0.75 mill tax set to expire this year.
During a city commission meeting on Monday, February 3, officials spoke to commissioners on how the funding would be used if approved.
Officials say that state reimbursement rates are down, which has created the need for a higher tax to maintain service. The reimbursement rate is expected to decrease to around 31 percent or less, or 31 cents for every dollar.
“Our biggest concern that the board considers is that we are seeing significant decreases in reimbursement from the State of Michigan,” CCTA Executive Director Sean McBride said.
The funding would be used for various projects, including updating the bus stops throughout the city and making them easier to access for disabled riders.
“The transportation needs of the community are not defined by boundaries,” McBride said. “We have educational needs throughout the community, we have housing and retail pockets in multiple cities, and how do you best design and fund a transit system that meets all those needs? The leaders really worked together to design a community transit system that serves all of Kalamazoo County.”
The tax increase option will appear on the presidential primary election ballot on March 10.
