KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Metro Transit Authority is asking citizens to support a new tax measure that will be available on the March ballot.
The tax would go to directly benefit the public transportation system. The new tax is in the form of a five-year 0.9-mill tax. It would replace the previously voted 0.75-mill tax, which is set to expire this year.
Officials say that, on average, the tax would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an estimated $45 extra a year.
Officials with the public transportation service 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.
The operating costs of the transportation, coupled with the decreased reimbursement, is expected to create a shortage in revenue.
Officials say that 2.8 million rides were used through the bus transit system in 2019 alone.
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 tax increase option will appear on the presidential primary election ballot on March 10.
