Meeting on TARTA Sales Tax Proposal

When: June 11, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Township Hall, 4927 Holland-Sylvania Road

Several months ago, TARTA officials began slowly floating out the idea of switching the funding method for TARTA. Currently, TARTA is funded by the property owners in 9 jurisdictions (Toledo, Perrysburg, Ottawa Hills, Waterville, Rossford, Spencer Township, and Sylvania City and Township). Currently, they collect 2.5 mills of property taxes or just over 3% of your tax bill. That equates to over $2 million a year from Sylvania Township ($3 million if you include the City of Sylvania) for public transportation.

TARTA is proposing to switch to a sales tax of 1/2% to replace the 2 levies that they currently have. There are a lot of questions being asked about this, and the trustees have already received several emails from residents voicing their concern.

In response to those emails, and in an effort to get information out to the community and have questions answered, the trustees will be hosting a meeting to discuss this proposal. TARTA will give a presentation explaining why this switch in funding is being sought, and representatives from TARTA and TMACOG will be present to answer questions.

I have several questions about this proposal and its effects on Sylvania, the county and the service that we receive. I encourage you to attend the meeting so that you can be more informed about this proposal.