Sonoma County leaders are moving to secure the long-term future of the SMART rail system by placing a tax renewal before voters this summer.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted to put a quarter-cent sales tax extension on the June 2nd ballot. The tax, which currently generates about $51 million annually, is not set to expire until 2029, but officials want to act now to ensure the system’s stability. If approved, the measure would extend the funding for 30 years.
Supporters argue the revenue is vital for the rail service, which provides transportation for roughly 5,000 daily riders across Sonoma and Marin counties.