Counties approve regional transit millage language

The regional transit funding question, which voters will be asked in November, is official.

The ballot language for the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan's master plan proposal has been accepted by the county clerks in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties, according to a news release. It's the final hurdle before the election for a proposal, which almost died last month after objections were raised by officials in Macomb and Oakland counties. The plan moved forward after regional leaders reached a compromise on areas that included RTA decision making.

"This is the opportunity Southeast Michigan residents have been waiting for – the opportunity to finally connect Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties,” Kelly Rossman-McKinney, spokeswoman for the advocacy group, A Coalition for Transit, said in the release touting the news that the language had been accepted.

The development marks another step in what could be the most significant change in regional transportation in decades. The $4.7 billion, 20-year plan would cost the average homeowner in the four counties about $95 per year if approved. It would include bus rapid transit, expanded standard bus service as well as express routes to Detroit Metro Airport and a commuter rail line connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor. The 1.2-mill property tax measure would require a majority of the total votes in the four counties as well as the City of Detroit to become effective.

The region lags most others in public transit investments, and transit advocates and business leaders say the plan would have benefits for people across the four counties and help it better compete economically. Anti-tax groups, however, have already signaled their opposition.

Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.

BALLOT LANGUAGE

A Proposal Authorizing the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) to Levy an Assessment

The proposal would authorize the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) to levy within Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties a property tax assessment:

• at a rate of 1.2 mills ($1.20 per $1,000 of taxable value);
• for 20 years beginning in 2016 and ending in 2035;
• that may not be increased, renewed, or used for other purposes without direct voter approval; and
• to be used upon the affirmative vote of an RTA board member from each RTA member jurisdiction for the purpose of construction and operation of a public transportation system connecting Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, including rapid transit bus routes across county lines, specialized service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, commuter rail, airport express service, and other public transportation purposes permitted by law, consistent with RTA bylaws and subject to the limitations of the Regional Transit Authority Act.

If this new additional assessment is approved and levied, revenue will be disbursed to the RTA. It is estimated that $160,907,285 will be collected in the first year. Should this assessment be approved?