CATS Board Approves Ballot Language for Agency's Ten-Year Millage Renewal set for October 9
CATS Board Approves Ballot Language for Agency's Ten-Year Millage Renewal set for October 9
Baton Rouge, LA (June 14, 2021) –The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) Board of Commissioners unanimously approved today the ballot language for the proposition to renew the agency’s ten-year millage. The proposition will appear on the October 9, 2021, ballots for residents who live in the cities of Baton Rouge and Baker.
The millage serves as the main funding source for CATS, supporting the agency’s daily operations and the delivery of crucial services to tens of thousands of customers who rely on the transit system. The Board of Commissioners’ decision to ask voters to keep the same millage they approved nearly ten years ago will provide the necessary funding to address long-term infrastructure improvements and service upgrades in the capital area, as outlined in the agency’s Capital Improvements Plan and Strategic Plan.
“The revenue this millage renewal generates will help CATS continue building the transit system our community deserves and support the thousands who rely on our transit agency and the jobs they hold,” said Bill Deville, CATS CEO. “We have a very clear plan for how these funds will be used to invest in this community and spur economic growth, and we look forward to delivering on our vision for the future.”
The current millage represents 58 percent of CATS’ annual operating budget. Passenger fares account for less than 10 percent of the budget and state and federal grants support the remainder of the agency’s budget, which CATS applies for regularly and secures using local match funds this millage generates. Renewing the millage at the original 10.6 millage rate will help ensure that CATS receives the local revenue and federal funding matches required to deliver major projects for the Baton Rouge community, including the state’s first bus rapid transit service, while maintaining and building upon current operations and services. The State Bond Commission will vote to approve the ballot language on Tuesday, June 15.
In 2019, CATS provided more than 2.5 million passenger trips, with total service hours increasing 84 percent from 2012 hours.
More than 63 percent of CATS customers use the system at least five days per week, and more than 91 percent have no other transportation option to get to work, school, and medical appointments.
“As our region emerges from the current economic downturn, CATS is more essential than ever to drive our local economy by serving our customers who depend on our agency to get to work every day,” said Erika Green, CATS Board President. “Without this millage renewal, CATS will be unable to fulfill this essential role for our community, and those who rely on us will be left with no other option to get to work, access healthcare and be active participants in our local economy.”
For more information about CATS Connects, including an overview of the promises CATS made in 2012 and kept and the agency’s commitments for the next ten years, visit brcats.com/connects.