According to NBC4i, the Central Ohio Transit Authority has ended its bid Monday to place a 0.5% sales tax hike on the November ballot to help finance rapid transit lines, instead relying on other funding avenues.
COTA initially proposed the tax increase in April to make a dent in a proposed $8 billion transit plan – which includes constructing eight rapid transit corridors for busses by 2050 – but announced its decision to forego the ballot initiative Thursday, largely due to the state of Ohio’s economy.
“As we look at the economic climate and the reality of rising prices for gas, food, and more, we understand the financial strain these factors are putting on our community,” COTA spokesperson Jeff Pullin said in a statement. “Knowing this, we recognize now is not the right time to move forward with the public financing request for LinkUS.”
Officials estimated a 0.5% sales tax hike, which would raise the current tax from 0.5% to 1.0%, would tack on an extra $8.33 to central Ohio residents’ taxes every month, according to the LinkUS Community Action Plan, a transportation initiative co-sponsored by the city of Columbus, Franklin County, COTA and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
For the full NBC4 story click here
Get Breaking News & Exclusive Contest in Your Inbox:
The Latest:
- Kandi Burruss Talks Broadway Debut, Escape SWV Tour, and Leaving Real Housewives
- Crystal Mason Update: Texas DA Moves To Reverse Black Woman’s Recently Overturned Voting Fraud Conviction
- Diddy’s Alleged “Drug Mule” Pleads Not Guilty To Possession
- ‘TIME 100’ Honoree Taraji P. Henson Is Gorgeous In A Green Custom Thom Browne Gown
- Victoria Monét Inspires Black Women By Sharing Part Of Her Real-Life Struggles With PCOS
- The Tragic Death Of Missing Mother Tomitka Jurnett-Stewart Must Finally Call Us To National Action
- Tupac Shakur’s Estate Threatens Legal Action Against Drake Over AI-Generated Voice
- Brian Tyree Henry The Latest Big Name Attached To Pharrell Williams-Produced Musical
- Jeezy Accused By Jeannie Mai Of Spousal Abuse & Child Neglect
- Tupac Shakur’s Estate Threatens Drake With Legal Action, Gives The Rapper 24 Hours To Take Down “Taylor Made Freestyle”