While it is too late to include another run at Proposition 1 for transit funding in Uintah County this year, officials discussed the option of putting it out to voters in a coming year during a meeting
on Monday
. The meeting between area officials and concerned locals discussed the future of the BTA transit busing system including discussion as to why Prop 1 failed in Uintah County during last election. Vernal City Councilman Ted Munford clearly stated that all agree there is a need in the community but emphasized that the citizens in the county did not support the transit funding when they had the opportunity to vote. “How can we support their vote and at the same time support the needs of our people?” asked Munford. One comment in response said that the public was not well educated on Proposition 1 and that there was a misconception that the funds would be allocated to the Wasatch Front rather than to the BTA. Duchesne County Commissioner Ron Winterton explained that public officials could not campaign for Proposition 1 but that maybe better education could be done and that Uintah County may want to look at including it on the ballot next year. Uintah Transportation Special Service District Director Adam Massey stated that the transportation district allows $230,000 dollars per year for BTA funding and while it is the board’s intention to continue funding they need contributions from other entities and sources. Officials agreed to continue brainstorming funding options including the possibility of approaching voters again in the future for funding to supplement local transit needs.
