Milwaukee County could create a regional transit authority with voter approval to levy a 0.5 percent sales tax to pay for busing under a bill introduced this week by state Democratic legislators.
The bill would reverse the last biennial state budget's provision dissolving RTAs in southeast Wisconsin and other parts of the state, including Dane County. A regional transit authority encompassing Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties disbanded in July to the dismay of local transit supporters.
The new state bill sets unique rules for an authority in Milwaukee County. Milwaukee County government would not need consent from municipalities or other counties to create the RTA if voters approve it via referendum. After the county creates an RTA, other local governments, also via referendum, could decide to join the authority.
The bill is the latest attempt to work through divisions between local governments over implementing new taxes for buses. Many officials in Milwaukee County support the measure to create a new source of revenue to replace property taxes and dedicate more money for the bus system. In a 2008 advisory referendum, 52 percent of Milwaukee County voters approved a 1 percent sales tax increase to help pay for parks, transit and emergency medical services. But other government officials, such as in Racine County, have opposed sales taxes for busing.
