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Committee sends proposed RTA sales-tax reallocation to full board after transport cuts draw concern
Summary
A proposal to change the county's RTA sales-tax allocation from 75/25 (transportation/general fund) to a split that shifts roughly $6.9 million to the general fund was moved off consent for full-board debate after committee members raised concerns about impacts on capital projects and grant matching.
The Kane County finance subcommittee on July 2 advanced a proposal to reallocate RTA sales-tax revenue for a one-year period, sending the item off the consent calendar to the full board for more detailed review.
The resolution under consideration would change the county's current RTA allocation formula (75% to transportation, 25% to the general fund) to a revised split that effectively reduces the transportation share for one year and directs more money to the general fund, with a subsequent internal breakdown proposed for general fund uses including public safety and technology. The change would free roughly $6.9 million for general-fund needs in the draft proposal.
Why it matters: KDOT staff warned the committee that a temporary reallocation would force the department to set aside about 19 capital projects and could reduce the county's ability to match state or federal grants that require local matching funds. Mike Sikozuk, KDOT, told the committee the department already has about two-thirds of cash balances contractually obligated and that the proposed reduction would cut recurring revenue by about 13.5 percent.
Committee action: Committee members debated urgency and trade-offs and asked staff for a project-specific list that would be affected by the cut. Board members asked for more time to review details and possible mitigation options, and several members urged that the full board see the transportation project list before taking a position. On a procedural vote the committee removed the item from consent so it can be discussed in full board session; that procedural motion passed on a roll call.
Ending: The item will return to the full board with the finance committee's recommendation and with a KDOT-produced list of projects that would be deferred if the allocation is changed.
