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Matthews approves MOU joining regional transit authority; commissioners say town’s vote will be small
Summary
The Matthews Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the regional Metropolitan Transit Commission that would create an authority if a November referendum passes. Commissioners said the town’s representation will be limited under the agreement but have concluded the MOU is required by state law.
The Matthews Board of Commissioners on Aug. 25 unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Metropolitan Transit Commission that takes a first step toward creating a regional transit authority should a November referendum pass.
The memorandum, presented by Interim Town Manager Kurt Walton, implements language tied to a state bill that requires an authority to be established by Jan. 1, 2026, if voters approve the measure. Walton told commissioners the memorandum creates a 27‑member board and that each of the six towns in Mecklenburg County would have one vote on that body.
Mayor John Higdon and commissioners discussed the limited voting influence Matthews will have under the agreement. Commissioner Ken McCool, who moved approval, said the town’s representative will largely have a platform rather than decisive voting power. “It gives whoever the board chooses … a bully pulpit to speak on things,” McCool said during the meeting. Commissioner John Urban, who seconded the motion, described the proposed structure as an example of “bureaucracy” but supported moving forward because the memorandum is required if the referendum succeeds.
The board voted unanimously to approve the MOU. The resolution, as Walton said, is not amendable by the town; it can only be approved or rejected.
The town manager’s office said staff will post a question‑and‑answer page on the town website addressing common questions about the transit proposal and the memorandum.
What the MOU does not change is pending: if the referendum fails, the memorandum would not trigger authority formation. Commissioners also asked staff to keep the public informed about the allocation formulas and the practical effects on planned projects to Matthews, including whether bus rapid transit or light rail would serve the town.
The memorandum and related materials were discussed at prior regional meetings; commissioners said some of the versions distributed earlier contained differences in the whereas clauses and confirmed they had reviewed the latest text before voting.
