Stark County Issue 4: SARTA Stark Area Regional Authority
Continuation of an existing sales and use tax of 0.25% and an increase of 0.10%, for 10 (ten) years.The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) is proposing its first sales tax increase in over twenty-eight years. The current ten-year tax will expire in June 2027 and presently generates approximately $19 million annually, serving as SARTA’s primary revenue stream. The proposed measure would ask voters to raise the rate from 0.25% to 0.35%, effective July 1, applicable to both Stark County residents and visitors making purchases within the county. This adjustment equates to an increase of $0.01 for every $10.00 spent. Sales tax revenue accounts for roughly 62.31% of SARTA’s operating budget, with the remaining funding sourced from rider fares, contract services, and grants.SARTA maintains a fleet of about one hundred buses, including twenty-two hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, alongside compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel-electric hybrids. The current average age of a SARTA bus ranges from seven to nine years; additional funding would enable reduction of this average to four to five years, minimizing long-term maintenance and repair costs associated with older vehicles.SARTA also intends to reinstate much of the ProLine ride-by-appointment service that was reduced in February due to budget constraints and layoffs.In February, SARTA introduced a pilot ride-share program in Canal Fulton, known as D2D (Destination to Destination), with a fare of $6.00 per ride.Partnering with local agencies, SARTA provides transportation services for individuals with disabilities. PASSPORT (Medicaid waiver) participants and clients of the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities are eligible for these services, which are offered through the ProLine or ProLine Plus programs.Additionally, SARTA offers complimentary Travel Training classes designed to assist riders in utilizing mobility services throughout Stark County. The available instruction includes Fixed Route Travel Training and ProLine Travel Training.
