CC 2016-04-26_12a PP SLOCOG Transportation FundingSan Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Self-Help County
Status
2016
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CONCERNS
The Gas Tax
Again, SLOCOG’s (highway) funds come from the State gas tax.
The CONSUMPTION (number of gallons) multiplied by the TAX (cents per gallon) results in the total fuel tax collected.
With more and more fuel efficient cars on the road, the total gallons consumed peaked in 2004/5 and has been decreasing ever since.
The Federal gas tax is fixed at 18.4c per gallon (included in the images above).
The State gas tax is now adjusted every July 1. In 2012 it was 36c, growing to 39.5c in 2013, and then twice declining in 2014 and 2015 to 36c and 30c, respectively.
Lastly, the State gas tax supports a lot more programs (and higher priority programs) than just SLOCOG (including local Street, Road, and Highway safety, maintenance and rehabilitation.
One of the newest and biggest bites, it is used to payback the Transportation Bond debt from 2006 (~1B/year).
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State & Federal funds
Sacramento has cut funding for local agencies – despite lobbying efforts by cities and counties throughout the State.
No legislative solution on the horizon.
Shift has been to fund projects for agencies that provide matching funds.
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Self Help Counties
20 counties (81% of CA population) are known as Self Help Counties
15 counties, investigating to be Self Help
Self-Help Counties invest $4.5B in funding for transportation projects – compared to $1B in State highway improvement funds
(in a good year)
Self-Help is a term used to describe counties that have passed regional sales tax measures to support transportation funding. 20 counties have already passed local transportation-specific
measures (raising over $4.5B/year). These measures require 2/3rd voter approval, an expenditure plan, and typically include voter safeguards (sunset date, oversight committee). Sales
tax dollars are invested in accordance with the approved voter expenditure plan. They typically include: highways, road maintenance, transit, bike, ped, and environmental mitigation.
Not only do Self-Help counties have a significant additional source of funding, but they also are at an advantage to win increasingly competitive State and Federal grant funds.
SLOCOG is investigating the option and support for becoming a Self Help county, along with 14 others.
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Self-help for slo county
Generates $25 million per year based on ½ cent sales tax – half of which is paid by visitors.
Funds would be used for LOCAL projects and LOCAL priorities – Sacramento has NO ability to take funds.
Allows SLO to compete for State grants and leverage funds - increasing revenues.
Clearly defined list of projects and programs.
Citizen oversight ensures projects and programs in the Plan are actually funded and/or completed.
Funds generated by a local measure cannot be touched by the State or Federal government.
At a half-cent, it would generate $26M per year and grow with tourism and the economy.
It provides locally controlled money and also provides additional funds used to leverage future State and Federal grant programs.
An expenditure plan is developed in advance and is articulated in the ballot measure. It requires a 2/3 vote and has a citizen oversight committee and a sunset date. It allows local
government to expedite project delivery times by avoiding the process and funding issues connected to the State.
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Residents want:
Local street and road repair and improvements.
Bike and Pedestrian projects that connect communities.
Increase in transit services, services for senior and persons with disabilities, and point to point services.
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Conceptual Investment Plan
SLOCOG BOARD APPROVED IN CONCEPT:
Duration of 9 years
½ Cent = $25M/yr.
9-Year = total $225M
$112.5M
$56.2M
$33.8M
$22.5M
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Safeguards and management
Administrative costs set at maximum of 1%.
Development continues to pays its fair share via impact fees.
Funds will not replace current local investments in maintenance but will enhance them.
Annual audits, annual reporting and independent taxpayer oversight committee
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Conceptual Investment Plan
25% Regional (Highway) Projects
Including funding for:
Shell Beach/Pismo Beach congestion relief on 101
Congestion relief in south SLO City area
North County Highways (101 and 46) congestion relief
North Coast Highway 1 improvements
$56.2M
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Conceptual Investment Plan
15% Bike & Pedestrian
Connectivity
Including funding for:
City-to-the-Sea/Bob Jones Trail
Atascadero/Templeton Connector
Morro Bay/Cayucos Connector
Other, Regional, Class I & II improvements
$33.8M
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Conceptual Investment Plan
10% Public Transportation
with 6% Transit, 3% Seniors, Veterans, Persons w/ Disabilities Mobility and 1% Transportation Demand Management categories
$22.5M
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Conceptual Investment Plan
50% Local Control
with at least 10% Community Enhancements & 4% Safe Routes to School
$112.5M
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What this means to arroyo grande
$867,978 a year for local control
$7,811,804 over 9 years + regional projects
“Local” projects suggested through public engagement include:
Street Maintenance and Repair
Congestion Relief and Operational improvements at E. Branch/E. Grand area
Halcyon corridor Complete Street improvements
Operational and bike / ped safety improvements at E. Branch St. / Crown Hill / Huasna
Regional projects suggested include:
Match funding for local interchange improvements: in the vicinity of Traffic Way; and operational improvements at Fair Oaks in the vicinity of Arroyo Grande High School)
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Next steps
APRIL/MAY: All jurisdictions review materials and provide feedback and comments, including BOS
MAY 4: Special SLOCOG Board meeting to review/address comments, and direct staff to finalize Measure materials
JUNE 1: SLOCOG Board Approve Plan to send to all jurisdictions for final approval
JUNE: Back to all jurisdictions for final approval of Expenditure Plan, including BOS
July 13: SLOCOG Board Adopt Plan, Ordinance, and Call for Election
July 19: County Board places on Nov. 2016 Ballot
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