Hillsborough and Pinellas counties considering half cent sales tax for Mass Transit

[FloridaFuture]

Believe in mass transit? Then fund it, officials say
Two counties consider a half-cent sales tax increase.
By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published November 28, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Transportation officials in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties say residents are frustrated with slow bus routes and outdated vehicles.

But are they frustrated enough to throw some money at the problem?

Officials at the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority sure hope so.

In recent months, both authorities have begun discussing possible new sources of revenue, including a half-cent hike in each county's sales tax.

Transit officials are seeking an alternative to property-tax-generated funding in the wake of recent statewide tax reforms.

"How can we find enough funding to grow our transit system to improve our community? That's the right question," Tim Garling, executive director of the PSTA, said in a recent telephone interview. "Mass transit is something bigger than just moving people place to place. It's part of making the place you live a good place. There are benefits to the environment, there are benefits to traffic congestion, there are benefits to property values."

Without another stream of revenue, local transportation officials say that not only will they not be able to improve bus routes, but they will probably have to reduce service.

The sales tax increase would be used to modernize the struggling transit systems, which have been underfunded for years, said Ed Crawford, HART spokesman.

"Forget about the 21st century. We just want to be able to join the later half of the 20th century in terms of funding transportation," he said.

This year, the PSTA will pull in $37-million in property tax revenue. HART will earn $36-million.

The half-cent sales tax increase, which would require voter approval, could put an extra $70-million in the PSTA's coffers each year. HART could receive $110-million.

Both authorities say a massive marketing initiative would be needed to persuade voters to approve the increase, especially in these tax-weary times.

Before any measures are brought to the ballot, voters would have to be told exactly how the additional funding would be spent, Garling said.

"Unless you have a clear picture of what the future will be, it would be hard to get the votes on board," he said.

PSTA officials are also considering selling advertisements on the buses, increasing bus pass rates and asking the County Commission to levy a gas tax.

HART officials will meet Wednesday to discuss possible revenue sources.

Residents of Miami-Dade County already pay a half-cent sales tax earmarked for transportation.

Unlike property taxes, sales taxes are levied against visitors and residents.

PSTA board member Karl Nurse said the authority could make a deal with voters: Give us the half- cent sales tax and we won't tax your properties. In that scenario, the PSTA's 0.6 millage rate would not be levied against property owners.

"We need to be straight up with people," Nurse said. "Almost everybody would admit that relative to other major urban areas in the country we have a weaker transit system."

Cristina Silva can be reached at 727 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.
Transit spending

Florida per capita spending fortransit by county in 2005.

County Cost Miami-Dade $221.64 Duval $140.19 Broward $68.54 Palm Beach $57.89 Pinellas $51.30 Polk $32.55 Lee $30.47 Orange $28.27 Hillsborough $17.49

Source: Hillsborough County Budget Department

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/11/28/Ne...ss_trans.shtml

[Jasonhouse]

I would much rather pay for it with a gas tax, and a share of certain tourist taxes. You know, actually do something smart like tax the people affecting traffic, and encourage them to seek other uses which will reduce traffic congestion. Jacking up the sales tax does nothing but ensure that everyone gets screwed over equally, including people who don't commute for work, but may do plenty of shopping here (aka retirees). Suggesting a sales tax increase is a great way of having your funding proposal lose, because you're pissing off everyone.

Why is it that ALL governing must be done half-assed, with as little imagination and foresight as possible?

[HARTride 2012]

This plan will go nowhere. No matter what the politicians say.


I agree Jason, I'd rather have a gas tax. Taxing gas in the US will actually help entice people to use mass transit. Just like what is going on in Europe.

[Jahi98]

I like the gas tax idea, too.

Maybe the tax crunch will further encourage PSTA, HART and PCPT to seriously consider merging under TBARTA. (dreaming)

[HARTride 2012]

Originally Posted by Jahi98

Maybe the tax crunch will further encourage PSTA, HART and PCPT to seriously consider merging under TBARTA. (dreaming)

[tampasteve]

I have been advocating a gas tax for years. However, most politicians see it (rightly) as a death blow to their compaign to EVER talk of a gas tax. People would more likely approve a sales tax, or some sort of luxury tax, before they vote to take gas prices higher...not matter that if it were approved we would get better transit and then they would not have to pay for the tax...either type of vote has my approval, it is high time we get a transit agency with funding. I would stipulate that the tax be pegged to rail though. Bus could certainly be better, but I want to see some sort of rail solution in the ground, or at least planned.

Steve

[HARTride 2012]

The politicians don't want to get their heads in the right direction. All they care about is themseleves.

[tampasteve]

Well, most only care about their position on the boards...but it can be said that most people that are not transit/urban enthusiasts would almost certainly NOT vote in a gas tax...that is what makes it political suicide, not just the politicians. If it were certainly supported by a majority, or a close minority, then the politicians could be a bit more behind it, or at least suggest it.

While I, and most on these boards, are in favor of a gas tax, a majority of the population would almost certainly not be. Most people are tired of high gas prices, and while transit would help them, they cannot see past the fact that a gas tax would only raise the gas prices further - even though if they used transit it would not impact them.

Steve

[HARTride 2012]

Most people in the US hate increased taxes...bottom line. Europe on the other hand, they can tolerate high taxes and have tolerated high taxes for years. That is why some of their services are much better (healthcare, etc.). It is also why their mass transit is better.

[tampasteve]

Very true...but since we are in the US we have to work within the culture. A sales tax or tourist tax has a much higher chance of passing, as long as the majority feel that they are getting something (or will eventually get something) out of it. This was proved in the most recent Charlotte vote.

Steve

[Jasonhouse]

Originally Posted by wslupecki

The politicians don't want to get their heads in the right direction. All they care about is themseleves.

I don't know about that.

I just don't think there is a lot of motivation to put out political hot potatoes, and see if it ruins their careers. The problem is, that is increasingly what these people have been put in office to do. (solve tough problems, not muddle around for a while and pass it off to the next group of elected officials)

[HARTride 2012]

There's just too much political corruption Jason. That is my point to all this.

[randommichael]

I wouldn't mind a half cent sales tax so much, but I don't think any increase in gas taxes will go through while gas prices are high. I really think they should take a chunk of the property taxes and put that in a mass transit fund. Also, why not lay off a few more city and county workers?

[HARTride 2012]