The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors acknowledges public transportation is an essential public service. It gets people with disabilities and low incomes to work, doctors’ appointments and retail stores.
Since 2007, the effects of the economic recession have impacted Pierce Transit with the decline in sales tax revenue. Pierce Transit receives 70% of its funding from local sales tax. In late 2007, Pierce Transit started to make adjustments to address the decline in revenue. Those actions have saved over $89 million from projected budgets through 2012. In addition, Adult fares were increased in January 2009, and again in November 2010. Even with these cuts and fare increases, a shortfall of $51 million will occur by the end of 2012.
Pierce Transit’s Board of Commissioners directed staff to develop two plans that depict two funding scenarios. The first was to manage a system with existing revenue. It’s been reported that this would result in a devastating reduction in the amount of service provided to the community by 35%. The second is to preserve service at current levels, which would require additional funding.
In order to preserve the current service available, Pierce Transit is asking for a .6% increase in the sales tax. This is indiscriminate whether you ride transit or not. This figure equates to $92.37 annually for every man, woman and child in Pierce County.
In these tough economic times when businesses and families are struggling and making cuts in their budgets, we think that Pierce Transit should do the same. Asking for a permanent tax for a temporary shortfall is not how business should be done. The Chamber Board believes that Pierce Transit must be fiscally responsible by utilizing their cash reserve, limiting non-essential services and reducing its overhead as we all must.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, in good conscience, cannot endorse this proposition on behalf of our business community.
Linda Smith says
There is a typo in the 4th paragraph. Pierce Transit is asking for a .3% sales tax increase – not .6%. Our apologies for the error.
Johnmcmd says
The increase asked for is .3%…..Pierce Transit already has a .6% sales tax in place: that’s a 50% increase in their sales tax. That would account for $30,000,000+….yes more than 30 MILLION in new revenue…permanently for Pierce Transit to play with. On top of this I understand there is also the possibility of a $30.00 car tab fee specifically to support sagging tranist revenues in the works in Olympia. Pierce Transit has been dishonest in advertising this increase; dishonest in coming up with “poison pill” options when other do-able options exist; and toyed with those that depend on public transit. They don’t deserve a YES vote. Vote NO on Proposition One on 8 February and bring Pierce Transit down to reality.
Sam says
I support Pierce Transit n0 PROP 1 !!! vote is YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Malcolm says
Seems many are focused on the wrong question. Almost everyone, even most the NO on Prop One side, believes that public transit is a hugely important resource. But the real question is how do we best pay for it in Pierce County? Is PT operating efficiently and if not what encouragement will they have to be efficient if the voters will always approve a tax increase anytime that “support buses” ask us for it…
Should we vote Yes now for higher taxes and perhaps just support major inefficiencies and higher than average pay & compensation packages. Or do we take the approach where we vote NO on Prop One for now, send a message, then only approve a increase in their tax revenues when Pierce Transit demonstrates that services, pay and compensations levels are efficient and operating where they should be.
vic says
Pierce Transit provides a much needed form of alternative transportation for many individuals and families, many of whom rely on it for transportation to and from work and school. Many senior citizens are unable to drive and rely on Pierce Transit services for shopping and getting to medical appointments. More of us are becoming senior citizens. Haven’t you noticed? Imagine the number of automobiles that would be added to our already congested roads if Pierce Transit could not provide adequate transportation services. The reality is that rising gas prices and an aging population will likely result in more people using public transportation, placing a higher demand on Pierce Transit services. Is the alternative more cars on the road? The citizens that use Pierce Transit services deserve a VOTE YES on Proposition One on February 8th. Such a small price to pay.
Malcolm says
Every time I try to really listen to the Pro-sides rebuttal to the perception of high PT expenses due to poor management/planning and high employee compensation levels – I only hear about how needed, useful and important public transit is to us all… I agree completely that public transit is needed and hugely important to us all. But what I really need to be convinced of is not how useful & important they are, but that they have earned and now deserve a 50% raise in their tax revenues.