Item 4DCity of Southlake, Texas
MEMORANDUM
November 14, 2006
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Robert H. Price, P.E., Director of Public Works, x8097
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 06 -071, Approve a resolution supporting a regional rail initiative
Action Requested: Approve Resolution 06 -071 supporting a regional rail initiative by urging
the 80 Texas Legislature to exempt the two -cent cap on local sales tax
amount equal to the locally authorized transit sales tax and authorize local
governments to conduct a local option election to enact a sales tax for
transit and other lawful purposes.
Background
Information: On November 7, 2007, staff along with Tarrant County Judge -Elect Glen
Whitley and Commissioner -Elect Gary Fickes made a presentation to the
Southlake City Council for the purpose of informing the Council of recent
regional rail initiatives and the request of the Tarrant Regional
Transportation Coalition (TRTC) that the City of Southlake consider a
resolution urging the 80 Texas Legislature to exempt the two -cent cap on
local sales tax amount equal to the locally authorized transit sales tax and
authorize local governments to conduct a local option election to enact a
sales tax for transit and other lawful purposes.
The population of the region is expected to grow by 43% between now
and 2025, taking our population to about 8 million people. In addition, it
is expected that daily vehicle miles of travel will increase by 55% between
now and 2025, following a 100% increase between 1985 and 2005. It is
also expected that 53% of the roadways in this area will be congested by
2025, up from 21% in 1985. Growth in employment and population is
expected to continue in the region and will continue to add to the
congestion issues experienced today.
In order to solve all of the congestion problems anticipated in 2030,
NCTCOG projects that an expenditure of approximately $115 billon
dollars (in 2006 dollars) would be necessary by 2030.
Realizing the significance of the transportation issue in the region, the
79th Texas Legislature created a committee comprised of state and local
elected officials to study the issue.
I
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
11/14/2006
Page 2 of 2
The TRTC has advocated the sales tax exemption as a means of funding
the rail initiative. Furthermore, the TRTC advocates that the rail initiative
be funded through local option sales tax elections.
All of these efforts led to a survey of public opinion on the matter. The
survey respondents supported a regional rail initiative. In addition, they
supported the funding of such a system through a dedicated sales tax
rather than an increase in the gasoline tax.
The TRTC has requested that each member city pass a resolution in
support of the sales tax cap exemption in anticipation of the upcoming
legislative session.
Financial
Considerations: None
Citizen Input/
Board Review: None
Legal Review: None
Alternatives: Approve or Deny.
Supporting
Documents: Resolution 06 -071
Staff
Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council approve Resolution No. 06 -071
supporting a regional rail initiative.
N:\OO-NewNDrive\Agenda\06-11-21\RegionaI Rail \Item 4D- Regional rail Initiative.doe
RESOLUTION NO. 06 -071
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF A REGIONAL
RAIL SYSTEM IN NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS
BY AUTHORIZING A LOCAL OPTION SALES
TAX ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF
FUNDING SUCH RAIL SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the City of Southlake is a home rule city acting under its Charter adopted by the
electorate pursuant of Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 9 of the Local
Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the city of Southlake supports regional efforts to address the mobility and air
quality needs of the citizens of North Central Texas; and
WHEREAS, implementing the passenger rail service component of the Metropolitan
Transportation Plan of the Regional Transportation Council is essential in addressing the
mobility and air quality needs of the citizens of North Central Texas; and
WHEREAS, local elected officials and transportation professionals in North Central Texas have
studied the funding options for implementing the regional rail plan and determined that the sales
tax is the best feasible means of providing the needed funding; and
WHEREAS, most local governments in North Central Texas have no capacity remaining within
the two cent cap on local sales tax without the Texas Legislature providing some relief from the
current cap; and
WHEREAS, City of Southlake believes that the North Central Texas Regional Rail Plan can
best be implemented by the Texas Legislature exempting from the two -cent cap on local sales
tax an amount equal to the locally authorized transit sales tax and authorizing local governments
to conduct a local option election to enact a sales tax for transit or other lawful purposes; and
WHEREAS, City of Southlake believes that such action by the Texas Legislature is important to
the economic vitality of Texas and the quality of life of Texans.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
That the 80 Texas Legislature is respectfully urged to exempt from the two -cent cap on
local sales tax amount equal to the locally authorized transit sales tax and authorize local
governments to conduct a local option election to enact a sales tax for transit or other
lawful purposes.
PASSES AND APPROVED THIS THE 20'_ DAY OF NOVEMBER 2006.
Andy Wambsganss/Mayor
ATTEST:
Lori A. Farwell, TRMC /City Secretary
NATraffic \Regional Transit\Regional Rail \Resolution COS 2% CAP Relief doc