HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda Packet 01/13/2004 TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA
STUDY SESSION AGENDA
1.3251 N. Lon Adams Road
January 13, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Bobby Sutton, Jr.
Vice Mayor Herb Kai �.•
Council Member Jim Blake
Council Member Patti Comerford
Council Member Tim Escobedo
Council Member Ed Honea
Council Member Carol McGorray
Town Manager Mike Reuwsaat
Welcome to this Marana Study Session. This agenda may be revised up to twenty -four
hours prior to the meeting. In such a case a new agenda will be posted in place of this agenda.
If you are interested in speaking to the Council during the Study Session, you must fill out a
speaker card (at the rear of the Council Chambers) and deliver it to the Clerk prior to the
commencement of the meeting. It is up to the Mayor and Council whether individuals will be
allowed to address the Council. All persons attending the Council Meeting, whether speaking to the
Council or not, are expected to observe the Council Rules, as well as the rules of politeness,
propriety, decorum and good conduct. Any person interfering with the meeting in any way, or
acting rudely or loudly will be removed from the meeting and will not be allowed to return.
To better serve the citizens of Marana and others attending our meetings, the Council
Chamber is wheelchair and handicapped accessible. Any person who, by reason of any disability, is
in need of special services as a result of their disability, such. as assistive listening devices, agenda
materials printed in Braille or large print, a signer for the hearing impaired, etc., will be
accommodated. Such special services are available upon prior request, at least ten (10) working
days prior to the Council Meeting.
For a copy of this agenda or questions about the Study Session, special services, or
procedures, please contact Jocelyn C. Bronson, Town Clerk, at 682 -3401, Monday through Friday
from 8.00 a.m, to 5:00 p.m..
ACTION MAY BE TAKEN BY THE COUNCIL ON ANY ITEM LISTED ON THIS AGENDA..
Amended agenda items appear in italics.
Posted no later than January 12, 2004 by 7:00 o'clock p.m., at the Marana Town Hall, Marana
Police Department, and the Marana Development Services Center. 0
1
TOWN OF MAR.ANA, ARIZONA
STUDY SESSION AGENDA
13251 N. Lon Adams Road
January 13, 2004 -- 7;00 p.m.
I, CALL TO ORDER
II. GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Discussion/Direction: Pima Association of Governments as Re ional
Transportation Authority (Mike Reuwsaat)
M. ADJOURNMENT
Bobby Sutton, Jr., Mayor
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TOWN COUNCEL TOWN
MEETING OF
INFORMATION MARANA
DATE: January 13, 2004
F
AGENDA ITEM:
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Michael A. Reuwsaat, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion and Direction Concerning Regional Transportation Authority Issues
DISCUSSION:
Staff seeks Council direction concerning transportation funding options under discussion as a
result of a Pima Association of Governments (PAG) proposal to create and fund a Regional
Transportation Authority (RTA) and regional transportation plan.
A PAG- commissioned University of Arizona study (attached as Exhibit A) recommends the
amendment of existing legislation to allow PAG to call for an election to authorize the
implementation of an additional one -half cent county -wide sales (excise) tax for transportation.
The proposed legislative amendment is attached as Exhibit B. PAG is currently authorized to
serve as the RTA. There is a brief opportunity to attach a PAG sales tax authorization rider to
this year's Maricopa County half -cent transportation sales tax reauthorization.
In response to the PAG proposal, Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry prepared a
Board of Supervisors memorandum (attached as Exhibit C) concerning potential sources,
amounts and allocation of various potential transportation funding options. The memo concludes
that, other than a property tax, a sales tax increase provides the best substantial on -going revenue
stream to fund transportation infrastructure.
s An additional half -cent sales tax would make the region's sales tax comparable to other Arizona
regions. A comparison study of State and Local Retail Sales Tax Rates by City (attached as
Exhibit D) indicates that most Arizona municipalities have a combined sales tax rate of at least
8.1 percent — a half cent higher than any Pima County municipality except South Tucson.
Town staff estimates that a half cent sales tax increase will generate approximately $3.2 million
annually from Marana. The PAG proposal guarantees only $550,000 annually to fund Town
transportation infrastructure. The Town Council already has statutory authority to increase the
sales tax and to use it for local transportation infrastructure.
Local transportation infrastructure needs are significant. The Town is preparing to build the
Twin Peaks Interchange and Bridge over the Santa Cruz River. Assuming no additional funding
from federal or other regional sources, the cost to build the Bridge over the Santa Cruz River
alone is estimated at $28 million, and if dedicated solely to this project, almost all of the funding
for the first 10 years of a half cent sales tax increase would be needed to retire the debt service
for this project on a 10 year bond payout. Significant other local transportation projects for
Marana include the improvement and expansion of Tangerine Road, the realignment and
expansion of Camino de Marana from the Twin Peaks • Interchange to Dove Mountain,
realignment of the Marana I -10 Interchange exit with capacity improvements, and capaci
ADMIN/SRG /1/9/2004 -.
F
improvements to Cortaro Road.
In the past few years, Marana has taken the lead regionally and has adopted both a transportation
impact fee and a 4% construction sales tax to fund transportation infrastructure. Other entities
have yet to adopt one or both of these two funding mechanisms. Staff would be hard pressed to
support any regional transportation plan or authority that creates a donor situation for Marana by
failing to provide transportation infrastructure that benefits the area generating the revenues.
Staff supports the concept of an RTA and the use of increased sales tax to fund transportation
infrastructure. Staff neither opposes nor supports PAG as the RTA. Staff proposes to follow the
legislation and to provide appropriate feedback on the Town's behalf.
A PAG representative will be present at this session to discuss that agency's opinion.
RECOMMENDATION:
Town staff supports regionally coordinated transportation planning. Staff also supports the
concept of a half cent sales tax to fund transportation improvements.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Council's pleasure
ADMIN/SRG /1/9/2004
I move that we support Regional Transportation Authority legislation that:
1. Retains one vote per entity governance.
2. Authorizes the RTA to call for an election to approve an additional one -half cent county-
wide sales tax to fund the regional transportation plan.
3. Extends the tax authorization period from ten to twenty years.
4. Amends the current legislation to allow for a twenty year transportation plan.
5. Does not authorize one jurisdiction to exercise veto authority of any kind.
6. Provides for local government implementation of the approved transportation plan
projects.
7. Authorizes the RTA to decline regional transportation funding to local governments that
have not adopted regionally consistent transportation impact fees and/or other similar
funding sources generated from new development.
8. Provides a geographic nexus between revenues generated and transportation expenditures
instead of a minimum- percentage distribution to each jurisdiction.
9. Provides for adequate citizen input.
I also move that staff be instructed to investigate the benefits and implications of a half -c
Town sales tax increase dedicated to subregional transportation improvements. W/
1e W � .
1/13/2004 6:15 PM
i
- PIMA ASSOCIA TION OF GOVERNMENTS
AS THE REGIONAL TRANSPORA TA TION
A UTHORITY.-
OPTIONS AND IMPACTS
Report to the Pima Association of Governments
Regional Council
November 19, 2003
Institute for Local Government
The University of Arizona
"Y
. ,tzns xe-e � c o .fin go rnme o er
Plan for solution of "regional °problems
Prepare for growth and development
o a ansportation anningt ro ess¢
Distribute federahtransportation`funding
Approve`transpo ;
996An excise tax
Approve ten -year regional transportation plan
Produce five -year transportation improvement plan (TIP)
Regional Council
RTA PAG (COG/MPO)
Executive Director
Employees
➢ Jurisdiction: All or parts of the county
Voting: Numerical system (one vote per member); County
and Tucson must approve
Administration: Adopt budget, hire employees, set policies,
set salaries, establish committees,
Approve: Ten -year RTP and any changes to it
Produce: Five -year TIP
Coordinate: Implementation of ten-year plan
9 Finance: Issue bonds, seek voter approval of excise tax
Distribute: Regional transportation fund monies
➢Introduce enabling legislation to reinstate taxing authority (Title 42 -6106)
➢Legislation must specify conditions under which an election can be called
➢Conditions include:
Transportation excise tax (one -half percent on state classifications)
Jet Fuel (.305 cents per gallon)
Electricity and natural gas
Duration of tax (ten years)
Publicity pamphlet
PAG finances election costs
Ten -year plan elements and their funding sources
Summary of the ten -year regional transportation plan
➢Develop ten -year regional transportation plan
➢Vote to request board of supervisors to call an election
➢Make administrative changes (if desired)
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ADOT constructs and-Imam tauis controlled access highways approved by voters
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urisdicfion can contract to construct and maintain streets or highways
ap roved by voters ' F
u Affer� constraichon completion,d�urisdictions maintain streets and highways z
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Sources
Transportation excise tax ($55 million)
Member contributions
Grants, gifts, donations
Federal and state funds
Fares, user fees
Bond proceeds
i
Accounts Bond
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Construction (excise tax -can be used to pay off bonds)
Bond proceeds
I
s u c n, $300,000 or 1 percent ($550,000) to Marana, Oro Valley,
Sahuarita and South Tucson
$300,000 to PAG if necessary
i
enie n E- < Roadway improvements
Controlled access highways
Parkways and arterials
Arterial upgrades
Grade separations
i
Transit improvements for buses
Express routes,,
Connecting terminals
Ridesharing l
Para transit 1
Van pool fleet
Park and ride lots
express and light rail systems
licyele and pedestrian projects
ADDITIONAL ISSN THE F RUT -
Enabling legislation for taxing authority
RTA models
Organization and Structure
Funding mechanisms
Voting schemes
Board composition
Operations
Impacts and implications if taxing authority approved
Organizational changes
Acquiring and operating transit
Clear definition of "regional"
Continue to fund local maintenance
Type of leadership appropriate for success
Other legislative initiatives
Twenty -year authorization for twenty-year RTP
RTA membership
Voting methods
Interview responses
References and list of interviewees
t C �/ u
Mike Reuwsaat EXH 1 BIT B
From: Jim Altenstadter galtensta @pagnet.orgj
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 9:32 AM
To: Jim Stahle; Chuck Sweet; Mike Reuwsaat; James Keene; Charles Huckelberry; Fernando
Castro; Diana Coonce; Greg Saxe; Benny Young; jpein @dot.state.az.us; John Bernal;
Kurt.Weinrich @dot.pima.gov; JGlock @ci.tucson.az.us
Cc: ccampbell @pagnet.org
Subject: PAG Regional Council Transmittal
®! J 3
RTABILL ATT00004.t(t (59
)06257- 4) 1217031F B)
The follow -up transmittal regarding the PAG Regional Council's
action this
week regarding the Regional Transportation Authority statute is being
hand - delivered this morning to each Regional Council member with copies to
each of you. Enclosed will be the corrected mark -up of the statute. You
should receive the material by noon. Let me know if you do not receive it
by then.
I've attached an e- version of the marked -up RTA statute.
I will appreciate receiving notice of when your governing body will discuss
this item, so that PAG staff can attend and provide assistance, as directed
by the Regional Council.
I can be reached at 792 -1093, extension 441. Thanks.
Jim Altenstadter
PAG Interim Executive Director
1
Strikeout = deletions
BOLD = amendments or additions
AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 42 -6106; 48 -5303; 48-5302,48-5304,48-5309 ARIZONA
REVISED STATUTES; AMENDING LAWS 1990 CHAPTER 380, SECTION 8.
Section 1. Section 42 -6106, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
42- 6106. County transportation excise tax for roads; county population requirements
A. In a county with a population exceeding four hundred thousand but fewer than one million
two hundred thousand persons, if a majority of the qualified electors voting at a countywide
special election, or a majority of the qualified electors voting on the ballot proposition at a
general election, approves the transportation excise tax, the regional transportation authority
shall levy up to the rate authorized by this section and the department shall collect a tax: Deleted: onl With subsequent ley
1. At a rate of not more than ten per cent of the transaction privilege tax rate prescribed by authority subject to prior le
aufhorization,
section 42 -5010, subsection A in effect on January 1, 1990 applying to each person engaging or
continuing in the county in a business taxed under chapter 5, article 1 of this title.
2. In the case of persons subject to the tax imposed under section 42 -5352, subsection A, at a rate
of not more than .305 cents per gallon of jet fuel sold.
3. On the use or consumption of electricity or natural gas by retail electric or natural gas
customers in the county who are subject to use tax under section 42 -5155, at a rate equal to the
transaction privilege tax rate under paragraph 1 applying to persons engaging or continuing in
the county in the utilities transaction privilege tax classification.
B. Any subsequent reduction in the transaction privilege tax rate shall not reduce the tax which is
approved and collected as prescribed in this section. The department shall collect the tax at a
variable rate if the variable rate is specified in the ballot proposition. The department shall collect
the tax at a modified rate if approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting.
C. The net revenues collected under this section shall be deposited in the regional transportation
fund pursuant to section 48 -5307.
D. The tax shall be levied under this section beginning January 1 or July 1, whichever date
occurs first after approval by the voters, and may be in effect for a period of not more than - Deleted: ten
TWENTY years.
Section 2. Section 48 -5302, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
48 -5302. Regional transportation authority in counties with population of more than four
hundred thousand but less than one million two hundred thousand persons; establishment;
executive director
A. A regional transportation authority is established in a county with a population of more than
four hundred thousand but less than one million two hundred thousand persons.
B. An authority is a public, political, tax levying public improvement and taxing subdivision of
this state and a municipal corporation to the extent of the powers and privileges conferred by this
RTABILL (A00062574) 1217031PAGRevised.doc I of 8 12/19/2003
chapter or granted generally by the constitution and statutes of this state, including immunity of
its property and the interest income and gain on its bonds from taxation.
C. The membership of the authority consists of each municipality in the county and the county
AND ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS.
The authority may operate in all areas of the county in which it is organized.
D. The executive director of the regional council of governments acts as the executive director of
the authority and serves in that specific role until replaced at the discretion of the board of the
regional council of governments.
Section 3. Section 48 -5303, Arizona revised Statutes, is amended to read:
48 -5303 Board of directors
A. In a county, the government of the authority is vested in a board of directors composed of the
members of the fnem of jtffisdietiens of the regional council of governments with one vote each
when determining transportation policy, SCHEDULING AND IMPLEMENTATION as the
regional transportation authority. HOWEVER, IF THE COUNTY AND CITY WITH THE
LARGEST POPULATION IN THE COUNTY DO NOT CONCUR WITH THE VOTE,
THE NUMERICAL VOTE SHALL HAVE NO FORCE AND EFFECT.
B. The members of the board shall:
1. Appoint a chairman from among the members at the first official meeting of the board.
2. By rule determine its officers, terms and procedures of appointment.
Section 4. That section 48 -5304, Arizona revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
§ 48 -5304. Board duties
The board shall:
1. Determine the exclusive public transportation systems to be acquired and constructed, the
means to finance the systems and whether to operate the systems or to let contracts for their
operation. In the operation of the public transportation system the board may use public
transportation facilities used by a municipality, subject to & 48 -5308, subsection F .
2. Approve a request for an election to the board of supervisors contingent on formal approval,
including approval of proposed elements for the _TWENTY year regional transportation plan, of Deleted: ten
the request by the county and the city with the largest population in the county for submission of
the following issues to the electorate:
(a) Approval of a transportation excise tax authorized by 4� 2 -6106
(b) Approval of elements of the .TWENTY year regional transportation plan developed pursuant Deleted: ten
to 4§ 8 -5309 as the TWENTY year regional transportation plan- _ _ _ Deleted: ten
(c) Approval of changes in the TWENTY year regional_transportatlo_n plan pursuant to §j8- _ _. _ - f Deleted: ten
5309, subsection B
3. Produce annually a five year transportation improvement program that is consistent with the Deleted: ten
TWENTY year regional transportation plan elements approved by a majority of the qualified
electors and that contains the following:
(a) Projects financed with monies from the regional transportation fund.
(b) A description of each project, including a schedule of expenditures and sources of funding for
each project.
RTABILL (A00062574) 1217031PAGReviseddoc 2 of 8 12/19/2003
(c) The political subdivision with responsibility for project implementation.
4. Assure that projects proposed for federal, state or local funding appear in the regional
transportation authority's transportation improvement program and in the transportation
improvement program of the regional council of governments.
5. Not later than January 1 of each year for publication in at least two newspapers of the county
in January, assess and analyze the status and implications of the transportation improvement
program with respect to the occurrence of substantial change as defined in 48 -5309 and with
respect to the potential for or occurrence of the following conditions:
(a) An actual project expenditure that exceeds the project budget amount shown in the first year
of the transportation improvement program by five per cent or more.
(b) A project cost amount that exceeds by ten per cent or more the project budget amount that
appears in the first year of the transportation improvement program.
(c) First year and five year cumulative projected expenditures for all elements of the _TWENTY Deleted: ten
year regional transportation plan in the five year transportation improvement program that
exceed revenue estimates for corresponding periods by twenty per cent or more.
6. Provide for development of a supplement to the TWENTY year regional transportation plan Deleted: ten
developed pursuant to 4& 8 -5309 and approved as the TWENTY year reglonal transportation -- Deleted: ten
plan by a majority of the qualified electors voting that encompasses a period of such duration as
is necessary to be coterminous with the effective period of a transportation excise tax approved
pursuant to 4§ 2 -6106 Provision for development of the supplement shall be made not earlier
than the fourth year and not later than the second year before the expiration of the TWENTY Deleted: ten
year regional transportation plan.
7. Adopt an annual budget, hire employees and fix the compensation of its employees.
8. Cause a postaudit of the financial transactions and records of the board to be made at least
annually by a certified public accountant.
9. Adopt rules that are proper or necessary to regulate the use, operation and maintenance of its
property and facilities, including its public transportation systems and related transportation
facilities and services operating in its area of jurisdiction, and to carry into effect the powers
granted to the board.
10. Appoint advisory committees as it deems necessary.
11. Have sole authority to implement the elements of the - TWENTY year regional transportation_ Deleted: ten
plan approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting, including authority to contract for,
absorb or acquire existing public transportation services as it deems necessary.
12. Coordinate the implementation of the regional transportation plan among the local
jurisdictions.
13. Contract for financial, administrative, underwriting and trust services necessary to issue
bonds pursuant to 48 -5341 through 48 -5347 and administer the regional transportation fund
pursuant to 48 -5307. subsection B .
14. Hire legal counsel to represent the authority in any legal proceeding, accountants and other
professional personnel as it deems necessary.
15. Set the priorities of the plan and administer and facilitate the distribution of monies in the
regional transportation fund.
16. Delegate to the general manager any of the administrative functions, powers or duties that the
board believes the general manager can competently, efficiently and properly perform.
17. Contract and enter into stipulations of any nature necessary and convenient for the full
exercise of the powers granted in this chapter.
RTABILL (A00062574) 1217031PAGRevised.doc 3 of 8 12/19/2003
18. Do all things necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Section 6. That section 48 -5309, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
48 -5309. Planning; definition
§ 48 -5309. Planning; definition —�
A. The authority shall develop a ,TWENTY year regional transportation plan for implementation Deleted: ten
that is financed by a transportation excise tax approved pursuant to 4§ 2 -6106 and bonds issued
pursuant to §& 48 -5341 through 48 -5347 The .TWENTY year regional transportation plan: �eieted: teo
1. Shall include a public transportation component.
2. May, among other things:
(a) Define and identify regional transportation corridors.
(b) Define the transportation problems, goals and needs for each corridor.
(c) Determine environmental, economic, energy and social policies to guide transportation
investment decisions.
(d) Determine the impact of the plan on air quality, with one of the goals of the plan being the
improvement of air quality.
(e) Order the priority of regional transportation corridors for development.
(f) Determine the mix of alternative transportation modes appropriate for development in light of
the transportation goals and needs for each corridor. The mix may include sidewalks, rail
service, buses, vans, para - transit, park and ride lots, bicycle facilities and any other facility or
service reasonably related to transportation.
(g) Select appropriate public transportation technology.
(h) Determine the capacity for exclusive public transportation technologies.
(i) Determine operating performance criteria and costs for public transportation systems.
0) Locate routes and access points to the public transportation systems.
(k) Determine the ridership of public transportation systems.
(1) Determine the need for landscape buffers, noise barriers, pedestrian bypasses, multi -use paths
and other environmental impact mitigation measures relating to the regional transportation plan.
B. A TWENTY year_regional_transportationplan that is approved by a majority of the qualified Deleted: ten
electors voting on submission of the plan adopted by the regional planning agency may not be
amended to add or delete an element or substantially change an element without prior approval
of the electorate at a general or special election. Voter approval of an amendment or a substantial
change shall be sought pursuant to subsection F of this section.
C. The prior approval of the electorate required by subsection B of this section is waived if a
political subdivision causing changes within its jurisdiction to the TWENTY year regional Deleted: ten
transportation plan incurs the incremental costs of implementing the proposed changes.
D. Within the time intervals specified by this subsection from the date of approval of a
transportation excise tax as provided in 4§ 2 -6106 the regional transportation authority shall not
distribute from the aggregate of transportation excise tax monies received at any time by the
regional transportation fund an amount of monies that exceeds the percentage share of the
transportation excise tax approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting for a
transportation element of the TWENTY year regional transportation plan by a relative Deleted: ten
- - - -- --------- ------
percentage in excess of the percentage specified for the following time intervals:
1. Three years or less, fifteen per cent.
2. More than three years but not more than five years, ten per cent.
3. More than five years but not more than seven years, five per cent.
RTABILL (A0006257 -4) 1217031PAGRevised.doc 4 of 8 12/19/2003
4. More than seven years but not more than nine years, two per cent.
5. More than nine years but not more than ten years, zero per cent.
E. The proposition for a revised TWENTY year regional transportation plan considered at an Deleted: ten
election held pursuant to subsection F of this section shall adhere to the format applicable to the
ballot proposition approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting on the initial Deleted: ten
TWENTY year regional transportation plan.
F. If one or more of the conditions specified by subsection G of this section occur, the board of
the authority shall request the county board of supervisors to provide a ballot proposition for
consideration of a revised TWENTY year regional transportation plan on or before the date of Deleted: ten
the next general election. If the board of supervisors fails to provide the proposition at the next
general election or if a majority of the qualified electors voting at the election does not approve a
proposition for a revised TWENTY year regional transportation plan, expenditures authorized Deleted: te"
pursuant to 4� 8.5308, subsection C , except those obligated as of the date of the general election,
are prohibited.
G. In this section, "substantial change" means a change that, based on data in the transportation
improvement program developed pursuant to 4� 8 -5304 paragraph 3, results in one or more of
the following conditions:
1. A present worth of estimated expenditures required to complete all elements of the Deleted: ten
TWENTY year regional transportation plan that exceeds the present worth of estimated
revenues available to the regional transportation fund during the comparable period by ten per
cent or more, except that estimated revenues from bond proceeds, if any, shall not exceed the
bond capacity, less associated expenses, supported by estimates of unencumbered revenues for
the initial TWENTY years of authorization for the transportation excise tax. The preceding five - - -- Deleted: ten
year average of the GDP price deflator as defined in 4� 1 -563 shall be used to discount the
respective series of estimated revenues and expenditures to a present worth.
2. An estimated cost to complete one or more elements of the TWENTY year regional Deleted: ten
transportation plan as approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting that exceeds the
expenditure limitations of the - TWENTY year regional transportation_ plan as adjusted by _the____ _ ten
GDP price deflator as defined in 4& 1 -563 by the following or greater percentages:
(a) Ten per cent for a single element of the plan.
(b) Fifteen per cent for any two elements of the plan.
(c) Twenty per cent for three or more elements of the plan.
Section 7. Laws 1990, second regular session, chapter 380, section 8 is amended to read:
Sec.(31). Special or general election in counties with a population in excess of four hundred
thousand but fewer than one million two hundred thousand persons; purpose; publicity pamphlet;
ballot
The board of directors of the regional transportation authority of a county with a population in
excess of four hundred thousand but fewer than one million two hundred thousand persons by
resolution, shall request the board of supervisors of the county to cause to be placed on the ballot
for the qualified electors of the county at a special or general election held on or before
November 3,449-2 2023 the question of approving a countywide transportation excise tax as
provided by section 42 1493 42 -6106, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES. The board of
RTABILL (.400062574) 1217031PAGRevised.doc 5 of 8 12/19/2003
supervisors shall specify on the ballot the rate of tax applicable to the amount or volume of
business activity subject to the tax determined by the length of time the tax is to be in effect. The
percent rate of a countywide transportation excise tax shall not exceed the maximum per cent
prescribed in section 421483 42 -6106, Arizona Revised Statutes, and the length of time the tax
would be in effect shall not exceed tffi TWENTY years. The countywide transportation excise
tax must be approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting at the special election or by a
majority of the qualified electors voting on the ballot proposition at the general election. An
election held pursuant to subsection A of this section shall have on the ballot a description of
each transportation element in paragraphs 1 through 5 of this subsection including a separate
percentage share and absolute dollar share of a countywide transportation excise tax authorized
pursuant to subsection A of this section as expenditure limits for each element determined and
submitted by the board of the regional transportation authority to the board of supervisors for
inclusion on the ballot. The following proposed transportation elements and associated electors
voting at the special election or by a majority of the qualified electors voting on the ballot
proposition at the general election:
1. A roadway improvement plan including controlled- access highways and related grade
separations, parkways, controlled- access arterials and arterial upgrades and additional
improvements as are necessary to implement roadway.components of a regional transportation
plan as well as improvements necessary for safety, dust control, drainage or accommodation of
bicyclists, pedestrians or other travelways directly a part of the roadway.
2. A transit improvement plan for buses including an expanded bus fleet and associated
maintenance facility, expanded express routes and associated connecting terminals, ridesharing,
acquisition of a van pool fleet, including transportation for the handicapped and elderly, park and
ride lots and additional improvements as are necessary to implement bus transit components of a
regional transportation plan.
3. An express and light rail transit system plan.
4. A bicycle improvement plan of projects including neighborhood bike routes and a plan of
bikeways focused on major regional activity center destinations.
5. A pedestrian improvement plan of projects for neighborhood walkways and walkways focused
on major regional activity center destinations.
Each of the elements in subsection B of this section or any less inclusive combination of
subelements contained within the same paragraph of subsection B of this section may appear
concurrently as a single ballot proposition pursuant to subsection B of this section, except that
the expenditure limits for each element or less inclusive combination of subelements must appear
within the proposition for approval by a majority of the qualified voters.
Collection and distribution of a countywide transportation excise tax approved pursuant to
subsection A of this section is subject to approval of at least one of the transportation elements
defined and approved pursuant to subsection B or C of this section.
s The board of directors of the regional transportation authority may request the board of
supervisors to order and call such elections more than once.
The cost of conducting such election, including the question of approving the countywide
transportation excise tax and all other costs, including translation fees, telecommunication costs,
legal fees and costs, printing, publication and mailing of notices and pamphlets with respect to
the election and all salaries, costs and expenses of election board officers, county employees
either permanent or temporary allocated to the election is payable on a pro rata basis from the
RTABILL (A00062574) 1217031PAGRevised.doc 6 of 8 12/19/2003
cities' share of the lottery monies distributed under section 28 -2602, Arizona Revised Statutes,
and from the county's share of the county assistance fund established under section 41 -175,
Arizona Revised Statutes. If the countywide transportation excise tax is approved, the county's
costs and expenses shall be repaid from the first monies received into the construction fund from
the proceeds of the tax levied pursuant to section 42 -6106, Arizona Revised Statutes.
In addition to any other election requirements prescribed by law, the board of supervisors shall
prepare and print a publicity pamphlet concerning the countywide transportation excise tax that
is subject to a vote of the people. The board of supervisors shall cause to be distributed not less
than ten nor more than thirty days before the election one copy of the publicity pamphlet to each
household containing a registered voter within the county.
The publicity pamphlet required by this section shall contain all of the following:
1. The date of the election.
2. The individual household's polling place and the times the polling place will be open.
3. A summary of the regional transportation system plan adopted by the regional planning
agency which describes the transportation corridors and gives their priorities and, if provided by
the regional planning agency, a suggested construction schedule for controlled - access highways,
arterial streets, highways, and public transportation facilities in the county.
4. An estimate of the annual amount of the countywide transportation excise tax revenues to be
raised.
5. The form in which the countywide transportation excise tax will appear on the ballot.
In addition to any other ballot requirements prescribed by law the clerk of the board of
supervisors shall cause to be printed-on the official ballot a summary of the purposes for which
the countywide transportation excise tax may be spent, including the construction of controlled -
access highways in the transportation corridors identified in the regional transportation plan, the
construction of arterial streets and highways which are included in the regional transportation
plan, construction of public transportation facilities, construction of alternative modes of
transportation, construction of mitigation measures and increased funding for operating a
regional bus system and other special transportation services.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the election shall be conducted as nearly as
practicable in the manner prescribed for general elections in title 16, Arizona Revised Statutes.
Sec. 9. General election in counties with a population in excess of four hundred thousand but
fewer than one million two hundred thousand persons; purpose; publicity pamphlet; ballot
The board of supervisors of a county with a population in excess of four hundred thousand but
fewer than one million two hundred thousand persons, by resolution, may cause to be placed on
the ballot for the qualified electors of the county at a general election the question of approving
an amendment or substantial change to the regional transportation plan adopted by the regional
planning agency, as provided in section 28 -2905, Arizona Revised Statutes. The amendment or
substantial change must be approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting on the ballot
proposition at the general election.
The additional cost to the county of including on the ballot proposition the question of approving
amendments or substantial changes to the regional transportation plan and all other costs,
including legal fees and costs and printing, publication and mailing of notices and pamphlets,
with respect to the election shall be repaid to the county from monies received into the
construction account of the authority's regional transportation fund from the proceeds of the tax
levied pursuant to section 42 -6106, Arizona Revised Statutes.
RTABILL (A00062574) 1217031PAGRevised.doc 7 of 8 12/19/2003
f
In addition to any other election requirements prescribed by law, the board of supervisors shall
prepare and print a publicity pamphlet concerning the amendment or substantial change to the
regional transportation plan that is subject to a vote of the people. The board of supervisors shall
cause to be distributed not less than ten nor more than thirty days before the election one copy of
the publicity pamphlet to each household containing a registered voter within the county.
The publicity pamphlet required by this section shall contain all of the following:
1. The date of the election.
2. The individual's household's polling place and the times the polling place will be open.
3. A summary of the regional transportation plan adopted by the regional planning agency and
showing the proposed amendments or substantial changes to the plan which describes the
transportation corridors and gives their priorities and, if provided by the regional transportation
authority, a suggested construction schedule for controlled- access highways, arterial streets and
highways and public transportation facilities in the county.
4. The form of ballot.
In addition to any other ballot requirements prescribed by law the clerk of the board of
supervisors shall cause to be printed on the official ballot a summary of the principal provisions
of the measure.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the general election shall be conducted as nearly as
practicable in the manner prescribed for general elections in title 16, Arizona Revised Statues.
Sec. 10. Intent regarding expenditure limitations
Monies which are collected pursuant to a county transportation excise tax levied under title 42,
chapter 8.3. article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, as amended by this act, and which are expended
according to the purpose prescribed by article IX, section 20, subsection (3), paragraph (d),
subdivisions (i) and (viii), Constitution of Arizona, are exempt from the jurisdictions'
expenditure limitation.
Sec. 11. Emergency
To preserve the public peace, health and safety it is necessary that this act become immediately
operative. It is therefore declared to be an emergency measure, to take effect as provided by law.
RTABILL (A00062574) 121703 1 PAGRevised.doc 8 of 8 12/19/2003
EXHIBIT C
MEMORANDUM
.� �. �Y ®r �Y...w 1 111 Y�4:�•� Y
G ATE /�- _`'-3 ITEM
Date:
P ATE ,,-2003
To: The Honorable Chair and Members From: C.H. Huckelberry
Pima County Board of Supervisors County Administ
Re: Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
Background
Presently there is continuing discussion over the problem of implementing and financing regional
transportation improvements. These discussions are - occurring at the Pima Association of
Governments Regional Council, within the governing bodies of several municipalities within the
County, as well as the University of Arizona. Finding a solution to this problem has been elusive,
particularly since only one of three countywide elections on financing transportation improvements
has passed since 1986. One countywide general obligation bond election regarding the Rillito
Parkway failed in 1984, and two elections within the City of Tucson regarding financing and
implementing transportation improvements solely within the City of Tucson also failed (see Table 1).
In summary, only one of the last six countywide or City of Tucson ballot measures on transportation
was approved. The purpose of this memorandum is to give the Board some background regarding
regional transportation issues, and to help define and develop consensus on future solutions for both
financing and implementing regional transportation improvements.
History of Regional Transportation Financing Legislation and Use of Excise Taxes in the State
The Arizona Legislature, in 1984, authorized the two large urban areas within the state to finance
and implement transportation improvements. Previously all transportation improvements have been
funded through the distribution of Highway User Revenue Funds to the state, cities, and counties.
The original legislation was crafted differently for Maricopa and Pima counties. The legislation
reflected the different approaches of each region regarding provision of regional transportation
improvements. Maricopa County desired and developed a freeway system. Pima County desired
an emphasis on expanding and improving principal existing highways as opposed to constructing
new freeways. Maricopa County, on October 8, 1985, approved their funding proposition enacting
a countywide half -cent sales tax by a vote of 72 percent yes to 28 percent no. The Pima County
proposition was placed before the voters on December 9, 1986, and defeated by a vote of
43 percent yes to 56 percent no.
This legislation remains effectively the same as it was when enacted. In essence, the Pima
Association of Governments, acting as the metropolitan planning organization, functions as an
"authority," however, its primary duties relate to regional transportation planning, with
implementation generally left to the member organizations within the metropolitan planning
organization since each member organization has a transportation department that routinely plans,
designs and builds transportation capacity within their respective areas of authority. In addition,
funding under this scheme was to have been a sales tax, and the current ability to call for a sales
tax election has expired in the existing legislation.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 2
The only other significant development related to excise taxes and transportation has been the
expansion of the authority of counties to levy an excise tax for a variety of purposes. Today, all
counties in Arizona except Pima have an excise tax in place, and 13 counties have sales taxes that
go to their General Fund that can be used to build, operate and construct transportation
improvements.
Most importantly, the Maricopa tax authorized in 1985 with a 20 year duration will soon expire
unless reauthorized by the Arizona Legislature, hence the present effort to use the Maricopa
reauthorization effort for the benefit of Pima County.
History of Countywide Elections Related to Transportation, as well as Elections of the City of
Tucson, Maricopa Countv and Cities
Below is a table that lists all of the countywide or citywide elections related to transportation that
have occurred since 1984 in both Pima and Maricopa counties. With one exception, all countywide
elections in Pima County regarding transportation have failed. The single election that did pass was
the 1997 Transportation Highway User Revenue Bond election of the County, currently being
implemented. For Maricopa County, the results are mixed - most of the municipal elections were
directed at transit systems or facilities.
Table 1
Transportation Elections in Pima and Maricopa Counties Since 1983
Voter
Election Date Jurisdiction Revenue Source Yes % No % Turnout %
1. November 6, 1984 , Pima County Rillito Corridor 42 : = 58 "�. 74
2. October 8, 1985 Maricopa County' 1/2 Cent Sales Tax 72 28 34
3 December 9, 1986 Pima County Cent 5a1es Tax.''; _ 43 `. 56 31
4 _ March 28, 1989 Maricopa County 112 Cent Sales Tax; 39 61 43
5., November 6,. "I 990 ` Pima County I /2 Cent Sales Tax 39 61 56
6. November 8, 1994 Maricopa ;1 /2 Cent Sales Tax 44 51 55 ,
7. September 10, 1996 Tempe Sales for Transit (z) 52 45 21
8. September 9 1997,_ Scottsdale Sales or Transit � 37 63 21
9, September. 9, 1997' Phoenix z , Sales for Transit (z' 49
10. November 4, 1997 Pima County County HURF Bond 57 40 35
11. , May 18;.1999 Chandler X12 Cent Sales Tax 40 60 9
12. March 14, 2000 Phoenix Sales for Transit 12 ' 65 35 . 25
13. May 21, 2002. Tucson„ 1 /2 Cent Sales Tax`. 31 69 "25
14.7 November 4,;2003 Tucson 1 /2,Cent Sales Tax 38 62 41
Footnotes
1 . Shaded designates ballot measures that have failed.
2. Most of the funding was or is to be dedicated to transit.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 3
Three general conclusions can be drawn from these election results. First, Pima elections have been
the least successful. Second, Maricopa, thought to generally approve all transportation elections,
has not been as successful as one would think since the last two attempts to extend the general
excise tax have failed. Third, Maricopa cities are taking the lead in funding transit initiatives, not the
County.
Status of 1997 Highway User Revenue Bond Authorization
In any discussion regarding continuing transportation investment, it is important to provide a general
status report of the implementation status of the 1997 County Highway User Revenue Bond _
Authorization. Today we are the only jurisdiction making significant investments in new
transportation capacity. Of 57 projects, 22 have been completed or are under construction,
representing 39 percent of the program, while 40 percent of the 15 year planned program life of
1997 to 2012 has elapsed.
Based on analyses that will be provided in a separate report by mid - December of this year, the 1997
program is fully implementable, probably with no unfunded project outside of those projects of the
City of Tucson. In the last year, projects originally estimated to cost nearly $40 million have been
completed or bid for $24 million, a substantial savings. This is expected to continue. Approval of
a one -half cent sales tax and distribution as I have recommended for the City of Tucson would allow
them to provide the necessary matching funds for their projects.
Board- adopted transportation impact fees are having a significant benefit in funding new
transportation capacity in the unincorporated area of the County. Over $40 million in impact fees
will be applied to bond authorized projects in the County. Because impact fees are an equitable way
for new growth to pay a fair share of our needed transportation improvement program, I have
suggested that all jurisdictions adopt impact fees if they are to receive new excise taxes for
transportation improvements.
History of Regional Transportation Planning and Needs
The Pima Association of Governments is responsible for developing the regional transportation plan.
A plan has existed throughout the last 25 years, and generally receives a major update every five
years. Plans have ranged from parkway systems to grade- separated intersections, to increasing
emphasis on transit. The only thing that remains the same in each of the plans is that levels of
congestion and travel time continue to increase throughout the region as urban growth rapidly
continues and we fall further and further behind in providing basic transportation infrastructure
capacity.
No jurisdiction has been able to keep pace with transportation capacity needs caused by increasing
population expansion, as well as increasing vehicle miles of travel within the region. The plan
adopted in January of 2001 indicated that 531 new lane miles of arterial collector streets and
12 new grade- separations would be needed by the year 2025. The regional plan update adopted
on November 26, 2003, deleted the 12 grade- separated intersections; however, there is no new
estimate on the number of additional lane miles of highway capacity needed to meet travel demand.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 4
Generally, the Pima Association of Governments has been effective in planning for regional
transportation improvements. Unfortunately the revenue structure to implement regional
transportation improvements has never materialized. Therefore improvements are sporadic and
generally unpredictable.
The 2001 plan indicated that total system needs were estimated at $10.7 billion, with only
$6.6 billion available from existing revenue sources. The plan then also indicated potential new
revenue sources could include a new inflation index gas tax, development impact fees, and a
countywide quarter -cent transit sales tax. The plan also assumed these new taxes would begin in
2003. Obviously such has not occurred.
Presently the final draft of the Regional Transportation Plan amendment to update the previously
referenced adopted plan indicates the cost has risen to $11.27 billion. This plan identifies
transportation capacity improvements totaling nearly $5.8 billion with the largest share of these
capacity improvements identified at $2.6 billion. Costs have gone up, but the revenue picture
remains the same. Based on the plan amendment, over 34 percent of total needs, or nearly
$3.8 billion in costs will remain unfunded in the present plan. Therefore, the problem is nearly
overwhelming and funding is urgently needed.
Debate and discussion continues over a number of transportation - related topics, including: A) the
form of governance regarding any regional transportation authority, B) reform of PAG, C) different
transportation plans to implement, whether they are orientated towards transit or mixed with
highway improvements and transit, and D) financing alternatives or sources, and many more topics.
This discussion is academic unless there is a revenue source to make an acceptable plan for regional
transportation real. Our regional transportation plans have been comprehensive, complex, and the
revenue shortfalls so large that crafting a publicly accepted transportation plan that really works has
been nearly impossible.
Funding Options
In my memorandum to the Board dated November 14, 2003, 1 proposed that the Board seek
legislation to allow, by majority vote, imposition of a half -cent sales tax to raise approximately
$55 million per year when first implemented. This will not circumvent the electorate as a
countywide vote approving an override of the County's constitutional expenditure limit to spend
these dollars is legally required. This is the simplest and most direct method of raising capital to
meet transportation capacity needs of the Regional Transportation Plan. My proposal would
distribute the revenues to each jurisdiction based on population, and assumes funds will be used to
meet the transportation capacity needs within each jurisdiction as identified by the Regional Plan.
This proposal utilizes all of the existing political, governmental, and administrative systems already
in place for transportation planning, construction and maintenance, and therefore avoids costly and
inefficient duplication. It also does not require establishment of a novel governmental structure that
may or may not ultimately produce the results or operate in the manner envisioned by the
community.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 5
Given the numerous times a sales tax has been defeated at the polls, others have suggested perhaps
a local gas tax or other revenue sources to meet our transportation capacity needs. The following
is a discussion of two other options for raising significant new capital for transportation
improvements, one being a local gas tax and another being a local real estate transfer tax. A gas
tax increase of approximately 10 cents per gallon would equate to the amount of revenues raised
by a one -half cent excise tax, and a one -half cent real estate transfer tax would also raise
approximately the same amount of money as proposed through a one -half cent excise or sales tax.
A. Local Gas Tax - The option of a local, countywide gas tax to fund roads has been discussed
for many years and generally has received considerable support. A strong, logical argument
exists connecting the sale of fuel to funding of our highway system. This alternative presents
two problems, however, that make implementation highly improbable.
First, based on gallons of gas and diesel fuel sold in Pima County in fiscal year 2002/03, it
would require a local levy of over ten cents per gallon to equal the amount that would be raised
by a one -half cent sales tax. The volume of fuel sales is so much less than the sales tax base
that the necessary percentage increase in the cost of fuel would be unlikely to receive
legislative support. This projection also does not take into account inevitable future decreases
in fuel sales in the County resulting from non - residents traversing the County or residents that
are, as a practical matter, able to purchase their fuel outside the County to avoid the local tax.
Second, the current fuel taxes imposed statewide are not accounted for or collected at the
retail level. Fuel is taxed as it enters the state, not at the pump. Retail stations do not have
the technological and other infrastructure in place and the state does not have the
administrative infrastructure in place to collect a local gas tax as is the case with the sales tax.
Consequently, the public and private cost to implement the tax would be considerable and
generate opposition.
- The state gas tax, a portion of which is received by local governments, has not been increased
in about twenty years and is on a flat, cents per gallon basis rather than an indexed, percentage
basis. The State Legislature should have addressed these deficiencies long ago. Because they
did not, however, Maricopa County has funded and intends to continue to fund transportation
needs with a sales tax. As Maricopa has about two - thirds of the residents of Arizona and
therefore a majority of Arizona's Legislators, there is a lack of political necessity to increase the
statewide gas tax levy. Despite the logic of and justification for taxing fuel for roads, such an
increase may be a very long time in coming.
B. Local Real Estate Transfer Tax - A significant contributor to regional road needs is real estate
development including subdivisions, lots splits and the commercial service and retail
developments that meet the needs of population growth. Currently, the only cost imposed by
government on the transfer /sale of real estate, no matter how large or valuable, is a nine dollar
recording fee at the County Recorder's Office. A strong argument can be made that a real
estate transfer tax, essentially a sales tax on the sale of real property, is logical and justified
to support regional highway needs. Arizona is one of only fourteen states that does not have
such a tax. This tax has the advantage that the burden can be partially exported. Purchases
by the increasing number of seasonal residents would be taxed as would transactions made by
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 6
those moving to the County. Further, the tax can be made progressive by taxing high value
real estate transfers at a higher rate and exempting transfers of lower valued, affordable real
estate purchases. An August 29, 2003 report prepared by Governor Napolitano's Citizen
Finance Review Commission concluded that a real estate tax was justified, equitable, simple
and very inexpensive to administer.
For the Commission report cited above, data was compiled from Maricopa County in order to
develop statewide revenue projections. Extrapolating that data for Pima County and using a
simple, non - progressive model to apply the levy, roughly a one -half cent real estate sales tax
would raise the same amount as a one -half cent increase in the existing sales tax. It seems
unlikely, however, that the State legislature would authorize such a tax in lieu of an increase
in the existing sales tax given the novelty of the proposal in Arizona and the numerous special
interests that would likely oppose it.
Given the previous discussion about the alternative revenue sources available to fund new
transportation capacity, it remains fairly obvious that an excise tax remains the best option available
unless the State Legislature is prepared to increase gas taxes throughout the state by 20 cents per
gallon by a direct vote of the Legislature (10 cents would go to the state and 10 cents to
municipalities and counties). I would still prefer a gas tax to fund transportation capacity
improvements, but such has almost no probability of occurring.
Excise Tax Rates Throughout the State
One of the arguments against an excise tax is that the rate at 7.6 percent of sales (combined city
and state rates) is already too high. Well, everything is relative and the best determination of
whether or not an additional 0.5 percent is achievable is to compare an excise tax rate of 8.1 percent
with other counties and municipal jurisdictions. A resident of Maricopa County living in the City of
Phoenix today pays a sales tax of 8.1 percent; one living in Cave Creek pays 8.8 percent. A resident
of the City of Casa Grande living in Pinal County with a 1 percent sales tax pays a combined sales
tax of 8.4 percent. In our most rural, smallest county of Graham County, the combined City of
Safford, state and county sales tax is 8.1 percent. In Yuma County a resident living in the City of
Yuma pays 8.8 percent. In Coconino County, a resident living in Sedona pays 9.53 percent.
Clearly an additional half cent sales tax for transportation will not make our sales tax anywhere near
the highest in Arizona.
Highway Versus Transit Capacity Needs
This region has and continues to travel predominately by single passenger vehicles. According to
PAG's report on roadway system performance from 1995 to 2000, daily vehicle miles of travel in
the region increased 13.5 percent, but capacity based on lane miles of new highways added
increased by only 1 .1 percent. Congestion growth is far outpacing new transportation capacity. By
the year 2025, PAG projects that daily vehicle hours of travel will increase by 134 percent
over 2000.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 7
By typical weekday person trips by mode, the projected change from 2000 to 2025 is shown in
Table 2.
Table 2
Typical Weekday Person Trips by Mode of Travel
2000 2025 Numeric Change Percent Change
Automobile 3,283,944 5,619,076 2,335,132 71
Transit 57,880 95,812 37,932 66
Bike 49,394. 126,820 77,426 157
Walk 262,170 430,614 168,444 64
School Bus 83,590 152,480 68,890 82
Total 3,736,978 6,424,802 2,687,824 72
Based on this table, the growth in automobile trips over the next 20 -plus years is 62 times greater
than the growth in transit trips (2,335,132 automobile trips versus 37,932 transit trips). While we
need to be concerned about transit system expansion, it must be placed in an appropriate
perspective. Individual vehicle trips continue to be the mode of travel choice by the average voter;
therefore, any voter authorized funding mechanism must recognize this reality.
I have proposed an excise tax with the revenues devoted to new transportation capacity. The
revenues would essentially be given to the jurisdictions in accordance with their population. It is
certainly possible that a jurisdiction could spend a portion of the new excise tax on transit, however,
they should realize the relationship I have pointed out regarding growth in vehicle versus transit trips.
Who Are the Beneficiaries of New Transportation Capacity Provided by an Excise Tax
Benefitting the local economy should play a major role in our decision about enacting an excise tax
and providing transportation capacity improvements that benefit system users, consumers and
business. The recently adopted PAG Regional Transportation Plan Amendment indicates that regional
vehicle hours of travel during the typical weekday will increase 134 percent from 487,098 hours per
day in 2000 to 1,139,975 in 2025. However, the population will only increase 65 percent from
843,746 in 2000 to approximately 1,400,000 in 2025. Travel time will increase twice as fast as
population, and much of this increase will be from congestion.
While an excise tax will increase consumer costs, it is anticipated that reducing the growth in travel
time cited previously will significantly reduce system user costs. An actual cost savings will result
for both users, who will largely pay the tax, as well as consumers who will purchase products that
have as a component of cost the business cost of congestion. If businesses pay less in goods and
services, assembly, production, and delivery, it follows that purchase costs will be lower; hence
more efficient transportation is good for both business and the consumer.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 8
Will the Voters Get to Decide?
One of the adverse comments about my proposal for a Board majority vote to enact an excise tax
dedicated to transportation is that it will thwart the will of the voters. As I have stated numerous
times, as far back as 1997 when an unrestricted, General Fund excise tax was considered by the
Board, a County expenditure limit override election will be necessary in order to spend the proceeds
from an excise tax. What passing the tax by a majority vote does is take off the table for debate
the funding mechanism. Since an excise tax is the only practical method of raising significant
revenues for transportation, as demonstrated in a previous section, it is not productive to continue
to debate the revenue source. What will remain for voter approval is essentially the actual plan for
spending the money. If the plan is unacceptable and the expenditure limit retained by the voters,
I assume the Board majority enacting the excise tax would do so only conditioned on the
improvements being approved by the voters. Hence, no voter approval of the plan, no tax.
Therefore, tax enactment and collection would depend entirely on voter acceptance of a plan. The
voters still decide and are in control.
What is Needed
In order to meet the mobility needs of a growing population, and to be successful in planning,
implementing and financing needed transportation capacity improvements, the following are needed:
• Funding - Reliable, consistent funding over a sustained period of at least 20 years.
• Concentrate on Transportation Capacity Improvements - New revenues should not be used to
operate or maintain the existing system.
• Transportation Plan - We need a transportation plan that has the proper and correct mix of
transportation capacity investment by mode, a plan that will actually improve mobility and can
be implemented.
• Sustainable Plan Past plans have not had any long -term stability, and because of the number
of unsuccessful elections related to the various plans offered, any public support.
• Recognize Travel Reality - The plan needs to provide a consistent approach about the division
of transportation capacity that will be accommodated by transit and the components of transit,
including potential light rail, and accommodation of vehicular travel, which will continue to be
and remain the dominant mode of transportation for the foreseeable future. A plan that over-
emphasizes one mode or another, trying to induce a completely different lifestyle, is not realistic
and, again, will not be accepted by the public.
• Coordination Among Jurisdictions - There needs to be real coordination between jurisdictions
such that improvements on routes that pass through different jurisdictions are consistent, timed
correctly and followed through. It is of little benefit to improve a roadway in the County only
to bottleneck at the City limits.
The Honorable Chair and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Transportation Financing and Regional Implementation
December 1, 2003
Page 9
• Sustained Jurisdictional Agreement on the Priority Location, and Magnitude of Transportation
Capacity Improvements - The fact that grade separations appear in one plan and are taken out
of another really does not do much to develop a consistent approach to solving our
transportation problems. We need to come to closure on how the system is going to look for
the next 20 to 50 years and consistently and, if necessary, incrementally, make transportation
capacity improvements to achieve the long -term plan.
• Accountability - Should remain with local elected officials.
What is Not Needed
The following would seem to be particularly unproductive:
• The invention of a new gimmick to try to trick or fool the public into a positive vote on either
a revenue source or the plan;
• The belief that we will find some magic technological bullet to get us out of the basic problem
of providing transportation capacity;
• A whole new level or system of government to do what our existing governments should be
doing and have the obligation and responsibility to do.
CHH /jj __
ARIZONA TAX RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
State and Local Retail Sales Tax Rates by City RCS 3C.
November, 2003
County
f Total
u. o City Rate Cities by County State ° 1°= City Rate
Cities by County State v O , _
$D Apache County _ -: %' -
Maricopa County
Eagar 5.60 0.50 - - - 3.00 9.10 Queen Creek 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - 2.00 8.30
SL Johns 5.60 0.50 - - - - 2.00 8.10 Scottsdale 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - 1.40 7.70
SL Johns
5.60 0.50 - - - - 3.00 9.10 Surprise 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 2.00 8.30
,SD
Cochise County
Tempe 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - 1.80 8.10 1.
Benson 5.60 0.50 - - - - 2.50 8.60 Tolleson 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 2.00 8.30
Bisbee 5.60 0.50 - - - - 2.50 8.60 Wickenburg 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.70 8.00
- - - 2.50 8.60 Youngtown 5.60 - . 0.50 0.20 - 2.00 8.30
Douglas 5.60 0.50 ZS
Huachuca City 5.60 0.50 - - - - 1.50 7.60 Mohave County - - - -
1.60 7.70 Bullhead City 5.60 0.25 2.00 7.85
Sierra Vista 5.60 0.50 - - _ - 2 7,85
Tombstone 5.60 0.50 - - - 2.50 8.60 Colorado City 5.60 0.25 -
3.00 9.10 1Gngman 5.60 0.25 - - -
2.00 7.85
Willcox 5.60 0.50 - - - - _ - 2.00 7.85
9 Coconino County Lake Havasu City 5.60 0.25 - -
♦ Sn
Flagstaff 5.60 0.50 - 0.30 0.125 - 1.601 8.126 Navajo County _ _ 3 9.10
Fredonia . 5.60 0.50 - 0.30 0.125 - 2.00 8.53 Holbrook 5.60 0.50 - - - 2 g.60
Page 5.60 0.50 - 0.30 0.125 3.00 9.53 Pinetop - Lakeside 5.60 0.50 - - 200 8.10
Sedona 5.60 0.50 - 0.30 0.125 - 3.00 9.53 Show Low 5.60 0.50 - 200 B.10
Williams 5.60 0.50 - 0.30 0.125 - 3.00 9.53 Snowflake 5.60 0.50 - - -
/ Gila County - Taylor 5.60 0.50 - - - 2.00 8.10
1.50 8.10 Winslow 5.60 0.50 - - 3.00 9.10
Globe 5.60 0.50 0.50 - -0 -
Hayden 5.60 0.500-50 - 1.00 7.60 Pima County - - -
- 2.00 7.60
Miami 5.60 0.50 0.50 - 2.50 9.10 Marana 5.60 _ 2,00 7.60
Payson 5.60 0.50 0.50 - - 2.00 8.60 Oro Valley 5.60 - - - - _
3.50 10.10 Sahuarita 5.60 2.00 7.60
Winkelman 5.60 0.50 0.50 - South Tucson 5.60 - - - - - 2.50 8.10
,SQ Graham County _ _ _ _ - 2.00 7.60
Puna 5.60 0.50 - - - - 2.00 8.10 Tucson 5.60
/'
Safford 5.60 0.50 -
2.00 8.10 Pinal County - - - _ 2 •
Thatcher 5.60 0.50 - - 2.00 8.10 Apache Junction 5.60 0.50 0.50 - _ - .20 8.80
Casa Grande 5.60 0.50 0.50 - - 1.80 8.40
E SQ Greenlee County _ - 2.00 8.60
Clifton 5.60 0.50 - - - - 2.00 8.10 Coolidge 5.60 0.50 0.50 -
2.00 8.10 Eloy 5.60 0.50 0.50 - -
- 3.00 9.60
Duncan 5.60 0.50 - - - - _ _ 2.00 8.60
1 ® � ` 2. La Paz County - Florence � 5.60 0.50 0.50 - - 2.00 8.60
Parker 5.60 0.50 - 0.50 0.112 2.00 8.71 Kearny 5.60 0.500-50 - - 2.00 8.60
Quartzsite 5.60 0.50 - 0.50 - 0.112 2.50 9.21 Mammoth 5.60 0.50 0.50 - - - 2.00 8.60
7lI Maricopa County Superior 5.60 0.50 0.50 - - -
_ 3.50 10.10 �
Apache Junction 5.60 0.50 0.20 _ - 2.20 8.50 Winkelman 5.60 0.50 0.50
Avondale` 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 2.50 8.80 Santa Cruz County 1.25 7,35
Buckeye 5.60 • 0.50 0.20 - 2.00 8.30 Nogales 5.60 0.50 . - • - 3 pp 9.10
Carefree 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 2.00 8.30 Patagonia 4 5.60 0.50 , 7s
Cave Creek 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - . 2.50 8.80 Yavapai County -
Chandler 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.50 7.80 Camp Verde 5.60 0.50 - 0.25 2.00 8.35
- -
- EI Mirage 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 3.00 9.30 Chino Valley 5.60 0.50 - 0.25 - 2.00 8.35
Fountain Hills 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 2.60 8.90 Clarkdale 5.60 0.50 - 0.25 - 2.25 8.60
Gila Send 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 3.00 9.30 Cottonwood 5.60 0.50 - 0.25 - 3.00 9.35
2.20 8.55
Gilbert 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.50 7.80 Jerome 5.60 0.50 - 0.25 - - 2.00 8.35
Glendale 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.80 8.10 Prescott 5.60 O.SD - 0.25
Goodyear 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 2.00 8.30 Prescott Valley 5.60 0.50 0.25 • - 2.33 8.68
Guadalupe 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 3.00 9.30 Sedona 5.60 0.50 0.25 3.00 9.35 A sV
Litchfield Park 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 2.00 8.30 Yuma County - 2.50 9.60
`
Mesa 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.50 7.80 San Luis 5.60 0.50 - 0.50 0.50 -
`raadise Valley 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - - 1.40 7.70 Somerton 5.60 `'0.50 - 0.50 0.50 2.50 9.60
Peoria 5.60 . - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.50 7.80 Wellton 5.60 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.50 9.60
Phoenix 5.60 - 0.50 0.20 - - 1.80 8.10 Yuma 5.60 0.50 - 0.50 0.50 1 -- 8.80
The tax rate for the city of Avondale is 2.0% through December, 2003. The rate of 2.5% is effective beginning January 1, 2004.
' Sources: League of Arizona Cities 8 Towns; Arizona Department of Revenue
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EXHIBIT D �YY�
Comparison of Transportation Fees from New Development
Existing Fees for a New $178,000 Home:
Pima County $3,500 (2/04) Development Impact Fee
Marana $5,906 4% Construction Sales Tax, Impact Fee
Oro Valley $2,008 Development Impact Fee
City of Tucson $0 No Fees Adopted
Sahuarita $2,314 3% Construction Sales Tax
Had the City of Tucson adopted/committed to fees similar to those of Marana, they
would have generated in excess of $14 million dollars for 2003, just on new home sales,
with substantial additional revenues coming from other construction activities such as
remodels, additions, pools, commercial improvements, etc.