After attending the informational passenger only ferry talk, Im left with more questions. I am curious to know if the program was unsuccessful, and needed more tax payer support than the projected 71% - 66%, how would the gap be funded? Fare increase or tax increase? It is interesting to note the State Ferries have about a 70% fare recovery, whereas the projected POF fare recovery is 29% hopefully ascending to 34% recovery. What is our liability towards supporting the POF if approved? I was told if the plan does not fly, the research and RP1 can be forwarded to other interested parties, and, essentially, the effort and tax payer dollars will not be spent in vain...thats what I was told... I asked why it was being pursued again, after being turned down twice (the last time in 2007) and was told this plan differs in that the previous plan was a cadillac plan and this one has been modified, as has the boat. It was noted that there would probably be a public/public partnership in that King County would provide essential employees. Really?... King County, as it appears so far, is not helping to financially support this endeavor, shouldnt our Kitsapers be hired, if qualified? I did not verify the reasoning to this, but I would like to ask in the future. I am wondering how many Kitsapers does it take to subsidize one commuter? Legislatively speaking, there was talk about gerry mandering the boundaries to focus the vote on those areas that had earlier shown an interest in the POF and also consideration for a parking tax (which I understand is currently in the works). The other two possible sources of revenue were sales tax increases (.2% was just over the projected need) and excise tax( license tabs). Paul Beaker is the name of the man who was instrumental in the foil repair. Questions were brought up as to the safety and the ability of the POF to run in heavy weather...We were told the hull displaces 10 into the water, just not certain that this would be allowed in 2 foot seas, although it was indicated it could run in most any weather... It was asked if a solid economic forecast had been done regarding the impact of a POF and we were told there had only been a quick economic look and that there was a lack of data. The only real stats were that in similar situations, property values went up in the radius immediate to the ferry. I find this lack of study troubling, in that raising the sales tax in a ferry district area could put a hardship on existing businesses in that area. High ticket items, especially, such as cars, appliances and jewelry would be better sought in non district areas. There was much more information to the meeting and very good questions, as outlined by Robert Parkers post in the unmoderated SK politics. One last question I had, was what kind of impact this would have on the prospect of improving bus service and roads. How much is the public willing to support? At the City of Port Orchard Council retreat this fall, it was noted that a license tab fee could be considered for road repair, although transit is only entitled to a certain portion of that, if employed, would the public want to add on top of that to support roads as well? There are also time frames to consider...Bremerton could start in 2016 if the vote was this year, Kingston would follow in 2018 with the first boat and Southworth would follow in 2023 ( due to the need to construct a pier). This is a BIG project! As much as I would like the two folks who spoke in favor of the 30 minute crossing, to have a nicer commute, I cant help thinking it is taking potential dollars away from current pressing needs, and duplicating a service already provided through the state and also bringing more environmental impact through the use of fuel. Also not addressed was the loss of state ferry fares and how that would impact the remaining riders/taxpayers. Thats about it.... so far.... :) .
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 04:13:06 +0000
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