A proposed plan to implement a regional 1-percent sales tax for transportation projects over the next ten years was the key item of discussion Wednesday afternoon at the Fayette County Board of Commissioners work session.
Representatives from the Atlanta Regional Commission, the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for transportation, land use and water supply efforts for the 10-county metro area, which includes Fayette, conducted the presentation.
ARC External Affairs Manager Kathryn Lawler gave a broad overview of House Bill 277, legislation that passed this year, which puts the transportation tax up for a region-wide vote in 2012. Lawler explained the referendum would call for a majority vote from residents in the region to get designated projects underway. Another ARC official who broke down ramifications of the law noted a region can "opt out" of the vote, but a county will not have that option.
Therefore, Fayette residents would still be required to participate in the Regional SPLOST even if Fayette voters turn down the initiative.
ARC officials said the "dramatic decrease" in state and federal funding tied with the regional transportation demands prompted the legislative measure.
Both the Republican-led General Assembly and Democratic Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed were widely praised for their efforts in passing the bill.
Agency officials said funds generated through the tax would stay in the region and projects would be designed to accommodate growth and reduce congestion.
"The projects must benefit the region and local communities," stressed ARC officials.
Lawler noted 15 percent of the money raised locally would be considered "discretionary funding" and used solely for Fayette-focused projects and developments.
According to ARC studies, the tax is expected to produce up to $8 billion over the 10-year period. Officials commented that regional transportation is "terribly underfunded" and according to the governor, is facing a $160 billion to address current and future needs. Lawler said the ARC only has $67 billion to assist with these particular efforts at this time.
Fayette Commissioners raised questions about the ARC's role in the decision-making process pertaining to guiding projects that could come through the tax proceeds.
Regarding mass transit, Lawler responded the agency is tasked with taking a "balanced approach to transportation."
"The only way to solve the region's problem is going about it is with multiple transportation options," she said.
ARC officials further emphasized "there is no indication that the county must, or should do anything" regarding transportation.
Lawler later explained the steps and procedures the county is required to fulfill before 2012. She said the county public works director has already completed the first step, which to submit recommended criteria for transportation SPLOST projects. The second step is set for the winter of 2011 when a roundatable is assigned to amend and approve project criteria and elect an executive committee (see: Haddix to represent Fayette cities on transportation roundtable).
The roundtable will consist of two members from each county, comprised of the county commission chair and a mayor elected by the mayors within the county.
Local governments and legislators will then submit projects consistent with the regional criteria to the county planning director.
In August 2011, the Fayette planning director will compile a list of "financially unconstrained" example projects. Next, the executive committee will help create a fiscally constrained draft investment list. In October 2011, the executive committee will then hold two public meetings to get the community's feedback. At that time, the roundtable will also amend and approve the final transportation investment list.
The last step occurs in the spring or summer of 2012 when election superintendents in each of the 10 counties call for a vote on the transportation investment list and 1-percent regional sales tax.
In other business, a public hearing was also scheduled at this meeting to discuss Resolution Number 2010-15 which establishes ad valorem tax millage rates for 2010. |
