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League backs constrained transportation‑fee framework and seeks local input on UTA governance change
Summary
The committee reviewed House Bill 425 (transportation utility fees) — with new methodology and appeals language — and discussed SB197 to restructure UTA’s board from three to seven members; members emphasized the need to protect local regulatory authority and seek state funding if governance shifts to the state.
Presenter summarized transportation items and asked for member feedback. On fees, House Bill 425 would preserve a municipal ability to charge transportation utility fees while requiring fee methodologies to rely on traffic counts and trip‑generation data rather than property assessed value; the bill includes a section intended to preserve the fee‑versus‑tax distinction and an appeals process for residents or stakeholders.
On governance, the League described a proposal (SB197) to expand the UTA board from three trustees to seven appointed members (two each appointed by the Senate and House leadership and three appointed by the governor in consultation with local councils of governments). League officers asked whether two core principles would be acceptable to members: strong local involvement in governance and a state funding commitment if the state assumes greater governance authority.
Members raised funding and efficiency questions. One member noted that local governments currently supply roughly 55% of UTA’s budget and asked what guarantee the state would provide if governance shifts; the presenter acknowledged there is no automatic guarantee and said the League will press for commensurate state funding. Another member thanked current trustees for partnership work and said governance changes might improve efficiencies if matched by funding and local input.
The League recommended support for HB425 (subject to final wordsmithing) and proposed guiding principles on SB197 with ratification to follow as the League engages with sponsors. The League said it will follow up with members who flagged high‑priority concerns and will compile technical feedback for sponsors.
