BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Service cuts and tax hikes are the topic of discussion for the Whatcom Transportation Authority board.
Whatcom County citizens got a chance to comment on two WTA budget proposals at a public hearing 8 a.m. Thursday at the Whatcom County Courthouse.
WTA spokesperson Maureen McCarthy said both proposals include double-digit percentage cuts in bus service.
“A 14 percent (service cut) which includes our poorest performing routes plus Sunday service, as well as a 10 percent service reduction which was just the proposed elimination of our poorest performing routes,” she said.
No cuts would have to be made if board members and Whatcom County voters approve a proposed tax increase, according to McCarthy.
The board will consider putting a measure on an upcoming ballot that would raise the sale tax WTA collects by two-tenths of one percent.
If the majority of voters say ‘yes’ to the tax increase, McCarthy said WTA would be able to operate at current levels.
“If we were able to go out to the voters and be successful in increasing sales tax by an additional .2 percent, we would be able to maintain our current service levels,” McCarthy said.
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