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    1. Bus

    SORTA Board approves 0.8 percent Hamilton County sales tax levy for March 2020 ballot

    Oct. 1, 2019
    The levy will support Metro improvements and county infrastructure projects.
    Related To: Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA)
    SORTA
    Rm Decision 5d937c3a65aaa

    The placement of a permanent 0.8 percent sales tax levy on the March 2020 ballot was approved by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) Board of Trustees.

    As a regional transit authority, SORTA can place a sales tax initiative on the ballot to be considered by the voters of Hamilton County by submitting the request to the Hamilton County Board of Elections. Ohio law enables SORTA to use a portion of the sales tax for road and infrastructure projects in Hamilton County related to its bus service.

    “I’m thrilled to say that the SORTA board showed overwhelming support in bringing to the ballot an initiative that supports and funds the full Reinventing Metro Plan,” said Kreg Keesee, SORTA Board chair. “Our ability to connect our community to jobs, school, health care and other opportunities all comes down to one thing – having a robust transportation system. What was determined here today will be transformational for the Metro system and our customers and will help define the future of our region for generations to come.”

    The sales tax would fully fund the Reinventing Metro Plan approved by the board in January after extensive community engagement. This plan will be used for service improvements, including updating Metro’s bus fleet, new transit centers and park and rides, adding new routes, providing longer service hours, increased frequency and improved service for Access, which serves individuals with disabilities. Twenty-five percent of the funds will be used towards infrastructure projects, such as repairs to sidewalks, roads, bridges, etc. within Hamilton County.

    The deadline to place the levy on the March 17, 2020 ballot is Dec. 18, 2019.

    SORTA currently receives local funding from a 0.3 percent city of Cincinnati earnings tax that was designated by its voters to be used for transportation purposes. A charter amendment on the November 2019 city of Cincinnati ballot, if approved, will eliminate that earnings tax on the condition that the electors of Hamilton County pass a sales tax in 2020 for general revenues for SORTA bus operations and related infrastructure improvements

    Without an improved and sustainable funding source, SORTA’s Metro is facing a $160.5 million projected deficit over the next 10 years, which would require significant service reductions and fare increases, while further reducing the region’s access to jobs and much needed services.