MEETING DATE: 6/12/2018
DEPARTMENT: COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: Mary Gilbert
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Mary Gilbert
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 1035
SUBJECT:
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS - M. GILBERT
Approve the Council of San Benito County Governments’ Transportation Safety and Investment Plan (TSIP) as the Expenditure Plan for a Transportation Sales and Use Tax Ordinance in San Benito County and Designate the Council of San Benito County Governments as the Local Transportation Authority and Transactions and Use Tax District for Regional Sales Tax Measures.
AGENDA SECTION:
REGULAR AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The Council of Governments is pursuing development of an investment plan for a special sales tax to be placed on the November 2018 election ballot. COG prepared and approved a Transportation Safety and Investment Plan (TSIP) on June 7, 2018. COG is seeking approval of the TSIP by the Board of Supervisors. The TSIP will be the Expenditure Plan for inclusion in the COG’s Transportation Sales Tax Ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors is also being asked to designate the Council of San Benito County Governments as the Local Transportation Authority and Transactions and Use Tax District for Regional Sales Tax Measures pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Section 180050 and Division 2, Part 1.6 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.
Countywide revenue estimates for a 30-year 1-cent sales tax measure are approximately $485 million. The TSIP designates at least $216 million to repair and maintain local roads throughout the City of Hollister, San Benito County, and City of San Juan Bautista.
The Transportation Safety & Investment Plan will guide the investment of an estimated $16 million per year for a total of $485 million in new revenues over the next 30 years. The revenue will be raised from a 1 percent sales tax that will sunset after 30 years, if approved by the voters in the November 6, 2018 election. The Investment Plan will supply locally-controlled funding for critical local and regional transportation projects.
The Investment Plan is a crucial part of becoming a “self-help” county. Gaining this status would significantly enhance the ability for projects in San Benito County to compete for federal and state grants.
COG held numerous public meetings and community conversations to encourage dialogue and input. The TSIP was developed using the projects included in the San Benito County Regional Transportation Plan as well as the public input received.
The COG Board of Directors approved the Transportation Safety and Investment Plan at their June 7 meeting.
A majority of cities representing a majority of the population must approve the Investment Plan for Transportation Sales Taxes in San Benito County before it can proceed to an election. After the Plan is approved by the required majority of cities, COG must adopt a tax ordinance and request the Board of Supervisors place the ordinance on the ballot.
The Board of Supervisors is also being asked to designate the Council of San Benito County Governments as the Local Transportation Authority and Transactions and Use Tax District for Regional Sales Tax Measures pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Section 180050 and Division 2, Part 1.6 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. This action will give the Council of Governments the authority to adopt the tax ordinance.
BUDGETED: