Sacramento Transporation Authority to pursue eliminating the need for a countywide approval for sales tax increase

During their November 14 meeting, the multi-jurisdictional Sacramento Transporation Authority directors approved a plan to pursue legislation allowing the agency to increase sales tax for specific geographical areas within Sacramento County. 

In his presentation, STA executive director Kevin Bewsey said the agency will seek legislative support from local Senate and Assembly representatives to sponsor a bill to allow the agency to pursue sales tax increases for specific geographic areas within Sacramento County. Currently, the agency can only pursue sales tax increases on a county-wide basis.  

Although this meeting did not discuss it, Sacramento County voters rejected two sales tax hikes to fund several transportation projects. In 2022, the citizen-backed Measure A 30-year $8 billion sales tax hike that only needed a majority was rejected. 

In 2016, Measure B, sponsored by STA, needed a 66 percent supermajority but lost by less than one percent. That Measure sought  $8 billion over 30 years. 

As noted in Bewsey's presentation, if approved by the legislators and signed into law, the agency could select at least two specific jurisdictions within the county for a sale tax increase. Sales taxes must be used in specific areas and on projects that benefit the citizens of the defined cities.

As an example, Bewsey said the cities of Folsom and Citrus Heights could agree to pursue a sales tax hike. If approved, the funds would need to be spent in those areas.

However, in Folsom and Citrus Heights, it could be used to improve Greenback Lane in unincorporated Sacramento County because it would benefit residents in both cities.  

The vote was 10 -1  in favor, with Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost dissenting. Elk Grove's two members, Councilman Darren Suen and Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen skipped the meeting,