RICHLAND, WA. – During Ben Franklin Transit’s (BFT) August board meeting, attending board members unanimously voted down a proposal to have voters consider reducing the agency’s sales tax revenue by one-tenth of a percent.
“We are confident that the Board has thoroughly considered the possible impacts on the transit agency and the public we serve, and made the best possible decision for our community,” stated Ben Franklin Transit’s General Manager, Gloria Boyce. “Our Board is made up of elected officials from each city and county we serve and they are committed to the best interests of the community they represent.” Voters in Benton and Franklin counties have twice approved ballot measures for sales tax to support BFT.
Considerable time was spent reviewing the impact study, asking questions, and discussing possible options. Unlike many public agencies such as cities and public schools that use debt or bonds to pay for expensive capital purchases of new buses, vans, new building construction, or rehabilitation of existing facilities; Ben Franklin Transit does not use debt financing. This means that, like many families, Ben Franklin Transit must schedule projects, then budget the funds to pay for the work or purchases over multiple years.
BFT’s current Strategic Plan is based on the sustainable expansion of transit services and transit facilities to better serve and meet the transportation needs of our growing community. Any action taken by the Board of Directors to reduce local transit sales tax revenue would need to be planned for by first modifying its Strategic Plan.
To review the information used to make the decision, click the links below.
Board Agenda & Minutes
BFT Financial Information
Media Contact:
Byron Olson | [email protected] | 509.509.571.0711