Everett Transit is at a crossroads. After years of bitter wrangling with Community Transit over a possible merger, suffering the fallout of tax-cut initiatives and other revenue losses, the agency is running out of money. Without a sales tax increase of 0.3 cents on the dollar, city officials say, ET will be broke by next summer. Cuts to service will be immediate and severe.
Such cuts would hit hardest on people who dont have cars or are disabled and cant get around town to their jobs, school or errands. Our community benefits from all its citizens being able to be productive at work, school and local activities and events. Stories from riders whose lives have benefited greatly from the citys Paratransit services emphasize the need for it. We know they are not merely emotional appeals. They are valid, real-life concerns.
As the citys population grows and creative economic development initiatives bear fruit, the need to move people from one end of town to the other will be critical. And a convenient, smartly run transit system will be an important to businesses looking to locate here.
All these reasons and more might make a decision on Proposition 1 an easy one for many Everett residents. But despite some cost-cutting moves on the part of Everett Transit, this editorial board isnt convinced that the agency has made every effort to streamline operations and cut costs before coming to taxpayers for more money. We therefore cannot support a tax increase at this time.
We also question the decision not to raise fares first. It wouldnt have solved all the agencys problems, but it would have helped. Further, we are disappointed the city chose to ask voters for a sales tax increase before mapping out a plan for negotiating with the transit agencys unions in December 2005. It appears the tax increase would keep and restore some service, but its unclear whether it will pay for new projects or ideas the agency may develop as the city grows. That leaves the prospect of another tax-hike request down the road.
The issue of how ET can work with Community Transit to reduce costs and provide good service is still unanswered after all these years and thats unacceptable.
The timing for this tax proposal is rushed. The absence of a clear, long-term plan for ET is evidence that more work needs to be done before a tax increase is warranted.
Getting an organization turned around involves a combination of difficult steps, painful decisions and clear communication of long-range goals before asking citizens for an infusion of money. Everett Transit has made financial strides the past several months, but were not convinced theyve turned every stone.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
