Waukesha County signals 'keep us out' of RTA

Waukesha - None of the competing legislative plans for a new regional transit authority in southeastern Wisconsin requires that Waukesha, Ozaukee or Washington Counties be members, though in some proposals the counties could vote to opt in.

In an affirmation of the "keep us out of it" principle, the Waukesha County Board's Executive Committee unanimously voted Monday to endorse a resolution objecting to the county's inclusion in any regional transit authority unless the Waukesha County Board votes to participate.

In the event that happens, the county wants to be able to back out with one year's notice, according to a resolution that will be sent to the County Board March 23.

The resolution follows a similar action by the Washington County Board in February.

In both cases, the counties' resolutions say that the counties have limited public transit services, no planned routes for commuter rail, no potential for major property tax relief from new transit revenue sources and prefer continued county governance of local transit services.

Waukesha County Board Chairman Jim Dwyer said the resolution may sound redundant, but it's an added protection.

"When they imposed a stadium tax on Waukesha County, they didn't ask us, either," he said.

The governor and some legislators are seeking a permanent southeastern Wisconsin regional transit authority that could generate revenue to support bus and rail service in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine Counties.

Under discussion as revenue sources are a local sales tax, a local motor vehicle registration fee, a room tax or participation fees.