Cobb County's Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday to place a 30-year transit sales tax proposal before the voters in this November's election.

The  approval means voters will decide the fate of a proposed list of transit and transportation projects that were formulated after the county conducted a Comprehensive Traffic Plan study and did multiple rounds of community outreach. The enabling legislation mandated that the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority approve the project list that included a ridership study.  That was accomplished on June 6.

“What it comes down to is do we perceive the future is worth it?” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, recognizing that the length of the MSPLOST is a challenge to many.  “We can do something that is transformational…it enhances our ability to serve our own citizens. Even if you don’t share the visionary impact of this being implemented over thirty years, at least have the vision to let our citizens decide in November.”

Commissioner Jerica Richardson agreed, “While you may not agree with everything that’s in there, there are some very good things that will move this county forward.  I will never stand in the way of voters deciding on this.”

Commissioners Gambrill and Birrell opposed the measure, saying it would burden future generations with a tax.

The board also approved the ballot language appearing on the November ballot.  It reads:

Shall a special 1 percent sales and use tax be imposed in the special district consisting of Cobb County for a period of time not to exceed thirty years and for the raising of funds for transit and transit supportive projects? These projects will be as defined in O.C.G.A. § 48-8-269.40, and will be inclusive of the approved project list within the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Regional Transit Plan (ARTP).

If imposition of the tax is approved by the voters, such vote shall constitute approval of the issuance of general obligation debt of Cobb County in the principal amount not to exceed $950,000,000 for the above purpose.

Cobb DOT Director Drew Raessler says his department will lead a public education effort on the referendum.  Teams will hold informational open houses, appear at county events, and visit various community groups before the vote this fall.

Information on the proposal and its project list can be found at www.cobbcounty.org/msplost.  The site will be updated with more information in the coming weeks.