Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Tax And Transit Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County ad hoc recommends 14% of Measure O go to transit; HCOG asked to consider administering transit portion
Summary
A county ad hoc recommended allocating 14% of proposed Measure O revenue to transit and 86% to roads; HCOG staff said HCOG could administer the transit portion and will agendize a formal action to consider accepting that role.
A county ad hoc committee advising the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors recommended that 14% of proposed Measure O revenues be allocated to transit and 86% to roads, and HCOG staff told the board March 20 that HCOG could serve as the administrative pass‑through for the transit portion.
Background: The county ad hoc included two supervisors, HCOG staff representation, Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA), public works, labor and building trades representation, and public transit advocates. Members discussed options and reported an average recommendation from the group that 14% of Measure O be dedicated to transit with 86% for roads; the supervisors will decide the final split at an upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting.
HCOG staff said the transit funds would not be formulaic like LTF or STA; instead they would be distributed through a solicitation process, with awards taken to the TAC and then to the HCOG board for recommendation and onward to the county board. HCOG staff asked whether the board wanted a future agenda item to accept the county contracting with HCOG to administer the transit portion. Board members agreed agendizing the formal action would be appropriate.
Why it matters: The split determines how much new local revenue is available to transit operators, potentially supporting service enhancements or covering budget shortfalls depending on federal and state funding changes. HCOG staff emphasized flexibility; the county ad hoc aimed to be nimble in light of uncertain federal transit funding.
Discussion: Board members emphasized oversight and accountability. Staff noted an oversight committee separate from HCOG will monitor Measure O expenditures; HCOG would report on transit allocations and likely require a solicitation to identify eligible projects and operators (including HTA, local paratransit providers, and small transit operators). The board directed staff to agendize a formal action on HCOG administration of the transit portion for a future meeting.
