As reported in the Marin IJ on April 16, management at the Transportation Authority of Marin is complaining about the possible repeal of the new state gas tax. A tax that was increased by 66% (from .18 to .30 cents a gallon) and never voted on by the very people that have to pay it.
The Executive Director of TAM, Dianne Steinhauser, states that losing this windfall, “Would be terrible for Marin… A good portion of the gas tax goes to local streets and roads… If we don’t keep it, I don’t know how we will get all the funding we need for the narrows.”
Perhaps, Ms. Steinhauser can look to the balance sheet she is responsible for at TAM for funding.
In June 2007, this organization reported over $20 million Cash and a “Net Position” of $24 million. Ten years later, the June 2017 balance sheet reflects $50 million Cash and a Net Position of $46 million. This group rakes in over $28 million annually in tax revenue to “reduce local traffic congestion” as stated in the 2004 Measure A Ballot information.
Based on the traffic in Marin County in the year 2018, I’d say that objective has failed.
Building a “fortress” balance sheet is not helping the citizens of Marin. Perhaps the TAM Board of Commissioners should begin deploying all available resources in areas that are a top priority…