"San Mateo County officials are clashing with the state lawmakers over a proposed regional sales tax that would bail out the Bay Area's distressed transit systems, arguing that their constituents would shoulder an outsized share of the burden without a fair say in how the money is spent. The debate has complicated negotiations around the bill, SB 63, which would allow voters to impose a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a full cent in San Francisco."
"The tax could raise up to $1 billion annually over the next 14 years for BART, Caltrain, San Francisco's Muni and other agencies facing steep budget gaps as federal and state relief funds dry up. A SamTrans bus exits the Millbrae Transit Center on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Millbrae. San Mateo County officials are clashing with the state lawmakers over a proposed regional sales tax that would bail out the Bay Area's distressed transit systems. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)"
"At issue is San Mateo County's lack of representation on BART's board, which is made up of elected representatives from San Francisco, Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Together, the three county's residents pay some $392 million in sales and property taxes toward the system, which make up nearly 40% of its total operating revenue. Meanwhile, San Mateo County contributes just $4 million annually."
San Mateo County officials are contesting a proposed regional sales tax (SB 63) to fund Bay Area transit, arguing residents would shoulder an outsized share without governance input. The measure would permit a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a full cent in San Francisco, potentially raising up to $1 billion annually over 14 years for BART, Caltrain, Muni and other agencies. San Mateo lacks representation on BART's board while contributing far less in taxes than neighboring counties. Officials seek amendments to secure leverage, including the ability to withhold funds if misuse is suspected.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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