The Board of Trustees of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) reached a milestone by unanimously voting to place a proposal on the fall ballot to repeal TARTA’s current local property taxes with a sales tax, according to the company’s press release.

The proposal also includes Lucas County as a new member of the transit authority. 

“A historic landmark has been reached in TARTA’s pursuit of strengthening public transit in and for our region,” said TARTA board president Kelsie Hoagland. “The effort to reach this point has been no small feat. The tireless work of many, within TARTA and in our greater community, have guided this transformation. It’s clear that now is the time to invest in this critical element of our infrastructure. Finally, the time has come for the people of Lucas County to weigh in.”

Six members voted in favor of the TARTA resolution: Ottawa Hills, Rossford, Sylvania Township, Sylvania, Toledo and Waterville. 

TARTA had to receive a majority consent of its seven local government members on the resolution language to consider placing this on the fall ballot. 

"I am energized by the confidence that our local communities have bestowed upon TARTA by agreeing to admit Lucas County as a member of TARTA and allow the voters to determine if they want a modern, stable, and effective transit system,” said TARTA board VP Mary Morrison. “This is the resiliency we need to support, redefine, and address the growing transportation needs of our community.”

Maumee voted in favor to admit Lucas County as a member of TARTA. It also voted in favor to change the local funding source to a sales tax. The city did not finalize passing the resolution in time to meet the Lucas County Board of Elections deadline.