Tomorrow’s election may be an “off-year,” but it’s not an off year for transit! In Okanogan County, a county as large as the entire state of Connecticut, has formed a public transit authority and is asking voters for a 0.4% sales tax increase to fund transit service to the county. TCC has been working on the measure since early this year and traveling around the county meeting with social service organizations, veterans groups, and local businesses to drum up support for the measure.
Okanogan County has continually shown growth, a transit system connects Okanogans to services, retail centers, tourist activities, medical appointments, and jobs. With a large senior and veteran population, transit service is essential to ensure the continued mobility of these populations.
The current, non-profit system operated with grant funding and local community support is busy five days a week throughout the county, with a fleet of 13 buses. What originally started as a small ancillary services offered by the seniors’ association has grown into a countywide transit system, providing ridership for over 70,000 riders annually. . The local sales tax increase would be dedicated solely to funding public transit. OCTA’s ballot initiative to increase local sales tax four-tenths of one percent, or four cents on every $10 taxable purchase would generate slightly over $2 million for the transit fund. The OCTA board favors transit services that are designed to function as a “hub and spoke” system, with a transit hub proposed to be located in the central Omak/Okanogan area.
What does a yes vote mean for Okanogan?
Upon successful election results, some of the door-to-door service will increase in days and frequency of service to more adequately serve the needs of the elderly and disabled. Based on year 2011 actual sales tax revenue figures in Okanogan County, the sales tax revenue at .4% is expected to produce approximately $2 million in annual revenue. This amount will serve as the baseline budget for OCTA and does not include additional state and federal grant money that typically becomes available with a local tax in place.
Whether you live in Okanogan County, King County, or somewhere in between, the most important thing you can do tomorrow is VOTE. Your ballot has to be postmarked by tomorrow, so mail it on or drop it off at a ballot box today (if you haven’t already).
Just over 24 hours until this election is decided! Go, vote, win, and Get On the Bus!
