3/8 Percent Transportation Sales Tax for Monterey County

On January 25, the Salinas Taxpayers Association heard a presentation by Debbie Hale, executive director of the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC, typically pronounced Tam-See). TAMC is planning to seek voter approval in 2016 for a ⅜ percent sales tax for transportation projects and programs.

TAMC is a regional agency organized to “develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that enhances mobility, safety, access, environmental quality, and economic activities in Monterey County.” The Board of Directors for this regional agency has 23 appointed members: the five county supervisors, a council member from each of the twelve incorporated cities in Monterey County, and ex-officio members from six public agencies in the county.

See the board members at this link and identify which board members represent your community:

Board Members of Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC)

At its January 27 meeting, the TAMC board will receive a presentation by staff and EMC Research on the results of a December 2015 poll to determine potential voter support for the Transportation Investment Plan (the ⅜ percent sales tax and projects to be funded).

TAMC produced a “Discussion Draft Transportation Investment Plan” for spending $600 million over 30 years raised through the ⅜ percent sales tax. $300 million would be spent on local road and street projects and $300 million on regional projects. Read it here:

Draft Investment Plan of Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC)

Monterey County voters rejected four prior TAMC-sponsored tax measures, the last one in 2008. This new proposed tax increase would also require voter approval, at a two-thirds threshold as required in Proposition 13.

What do YOU think about this proposed tax for transportation projects in the county? If you are interested in the public business of TAMC, you are encouraged by the Salinas Taxpayers Association to attend board meetings. See the board meeting schedule and agendas here:

Transportation Agency of Monterey County Board Meetings