Saving C-Tran - Georgia's Legislative Black Caucus Meeting

Ga's Senator Doug Stoner Speaks to the Crowd at C-Tran's Meeting 2/10/10

L Clifton Oliver II

 

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Public Hearing - Funding For C-TRAN?

In front of a packed house at the Georgia State Capitol room #230 -- Georgia's Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) sought to find solutions to keep C-Tran's bus services operating pass the March 31, 2010 deadline.

Although many members of the GLBC were in attendance, only one Clayton County Commissioner was present - Commission Chairman, Eldrin Bell.  The meeting fixed blame for the future loss of C-Tran transit services solely on the four remaining Clayton County Commissioners.

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) had approved a $3.1 million infusion of funds into C-Tran.  Along with the money came "special stipulations" which were stricken from the fund request, approved by the Clayton County Commission and sent to FTA.  After FTA's review, the request for funds were denied.  The funding request was amended by Clayton county to include the special stipulations but was never brought to a vote before the county commission again.

Now, the funds have been reallocated among the 10 county region covered by the ARC.  Therefore, that funding source is no longer available for C-Tran's use.

Chairman Bell proposed funding options, other than property taxes, but all were soundly defeated by Clayton County Commissioners.  It would appear from the actions of the Commission, C-Tran is set to end all transit services this March 2010.  The County Commission is not interested in funding, saving or protecting C-Trans' transit services.

There was an interesting statement made by Chairman Bell who said, " shutting down C-Tran will cost Clayton County tax payers $2.1 million, I only need $1.3 million to continue operating C-Tran...."

The State of Georgia has come up with a funding solution:  Georgia's Senator Doug Stoner, indicated that a "rider" could be placed on a transportation bill asking that a referendum be called  as early as September or November 2010 asking Clayton county voters to approve a 1% sales' tax to join MARTA. 

Other solutions to C-trans' funding crisis included:

• Use of the 1% airport tax to fund transit (C-Tran) {currently not collected because of the 7%cap on county sale's tax in Georgia}
• Passing a 1% sales' tax to contract with a transit provider (currently MARTA) to continue C-Tran transit services  (again, 7% cap would need to be removed)
• Use of county business license fees
• Use of county permitting fees

None of these solutions could be implemented in time to prevent the termination of C-Tran services at the end of March 2010.  And few options remain without a willing Clayton County Commission.

In 2009, C-Tran provided transit services for 2.5 million patrons.  Of those patrons, 67% had no other means of transportation.  Affected by the shutdown will be 26,000+ elderly and disabled transit riders; some of whom use C-Tran for transportation to and from dialysis.

Why are four of the Clayton County Commissioners determined, dedicated and committed to ending C-Tran services? 

Clayton County residents should be asking that very question.

Commissioner Sonna Singleton (D)
Office Phone: (770) 473-5770
e-mail: sonna.singleton@co.clayton.ga.us District 1
Term ends: 12-31-10

Commissioner Gail Hambrick (D)
Office Phone: (770) 603-4135
e-mail: gail.hambrick@co.clayton.ga.us District 2
Term ends: 12-31-12

Commissioner Wole Ralph (D)
Office Phone: (770) 477-3214
e-mail: wole.ralph@co.clayton.ga.us District 3
Term ends: 12-31-12

Commissioner Michael Edmondson (D)
Office Phone: (770) 477-3216
e-mail: michael.edmondson@co.clayton.ga.us District 4
Term ends: 12-31-10

Writing Information:
Clayton County Board of Commissioners
Clayton County Administration, Annex 1
112 Smith Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Office (770) 477-3208 Fax (770) 477-3217
 

The next Clayton County Board of Commissioners' meeting will be:

February 16, 2010 @ 7:00pm -- Make plans to attend!