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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCET Funding Committee Draft Recommendations   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 1 of 24  CET Local Dedicated Public Funding Subcommittee  DRAFT Recommendations  December 13, 2013    Background and Purpose  At their June 7 2013 meeting, the COIC Board developed a six‐member Subcommittee charged with  developing recommendations on local public funding options for Cascades East Transit.  The  Subcommittee decided to expand to include a variety of regional leaders and to provide  recommendations regarding the following four questions:   Governance: Should transit continue to be operated at the regional scale by COIC, and/or should  a transit district or districts be formed?   Funding Geography: Should there be a single tri‐county local funding solution, or a combination  of funding solutions tailored to the service needs/priorities and willingness to pay of individual  communities?   Local Funding Tool: Considering the broad array of dedicated funding tools in use in Oregon,  what/which are appropriate for CET? If a fee or tax is recommended, what should the rate be?   Level of Service: Should the funding solution(s) be aimed at maintaining the current level of  service, a highly expanded level of service, or somewhere in between?     The Subcommittee met seven times from August through November 2013, and produced these draft  recommendations.  See Appendix A for the full Committee meeting process/timeline and roster.  Assumptions   During the course of their work the CET Subcommittee developed a variety of Assumptions upon which  to guide their work:   Central Oregon’s local governments – cities and counties – and COIC are the key partners for  transit service delivery for two reasons:   1. Local governments are the only organizations that have a stake in the broad suite of  values served by transit – including addressing congestion and other community  mobility issues, meeting the needs of underserved populations, and promoting  community economic development and quality of life.  Also, they are the best  positioned to understand the balance of community needs and priorities.    2. Central Oregon’s cities and counties formed COIC in part to provide services to meet  needs that are shared across the region in an integrated and efficient manner.  COIC and  local governments should build on this foundation to work cooperatively and  proactively to identify transit service needs and funding opportunities.  Once base level  service is achieved, additional focused partnerships can be developed to bolster service.     DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 2 of 24   “Focused partnership funding1 is not sufficient to fund “backbone” or “base‐level” transit service  because partners will desire to fund service elements that provide direct benefits to them and  not the system as a whole. These types of partnerships are therefore most useful in developing  additional services over and above base service in specific areas and/or for individual clientele.  However, partnerships will enhance support for any future funding measures because they a)  demonstrate support for transit and b) represent funding participation by entities that may not  directly contribute to public funding tools like a property tax (e.g. entities such as schools,  government agencies and hospitals that do not pay property taxes).    Fare increases will help pay for transit and are a potential policy choice, but will not provide a  basis for transit funding because transit provides public goods above and beyond the benefits to  individual riders, most of whom cannot afford the full cost of a ride.     Due to the Assumptions listed above, for transit to be viable now and into the future will require  a new source of dedicated local public revenue.  In Oregon, options include passage of a  property tax, payroll tax, local sales tax, or city utility fee.    The results of the September 2013 survey (see Appendix B for a summary of the survey  findings), indicate that voters are unlikely to approve a new transit taxing measure in the next 1  to 3 or 5 years.  The CET local public funding strategy requires a multi‐phased approach, with  short‐term and long‐term elements.  Short‐term elements will, in part, be aimed at developing  greater public awareness of the benefits and value of transit in order to improve voter  willingness to pay for it.  Recommendation Highlights  The Funding Committee has developed recommendations related to the original four questions as well  as additional recommendations regarding Partnerships and Outreach and Engagement.  The full list of  recommendations, organized into Goals and Actions, are provided in the following section.  Multi‐phased Approach  The survey results demonstrate that voters have yet to be convinced of the value of funding transit  through a taxing measure.  Therefore, the Funding Committee has recommended that COIC and its  partners pursue a multi‐phased approach to public funding including short‐term (0 to 3 years) and long‐ term (3‐5+ years) elements.   Phase One (short term) elements:   Develop agreements with cities and counties to define needed service levels and long‐term  funding methods that are tied to the actual cost of providing a base level of service (Scenario B)  in each community and across the region.2   Build COIC’s outreach and engagement capacity to increase public awareness of and support for  the CET system and to develop focused partnerships with partner organizations and agencies .                                                               1 “Focused partnership funding” is defined as contractual funding from individual businesses, state or federal  agencies, or other organizations to improve service in specific areas or for specific interests or groups of clients.   2 “Scenario B” is defined as the current number of service hours provided in each community plus a) conversion to  fixed route in Redmond and flex routes in Madras and Prineville; and b) additional necessary components (that  aren’t currently funded) such as planning, outreach, and capital replacement.  This service level is also referred to  as “base level” and is defined in Appendix C.     DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 3 of 24    Phase Two (long term) elements:   Develop a dedicated, local, publicly‐funded tool to achieve “Scenario B” service levels across the  region.   The funding tool will replace existing funding sources in areas that desire Scenario B service  levels.  In areas that desire Scenario C (see Appendix C) services, any new revenue would  augment existing funding in order to provide this higher level of service.  Governance and Geography  In Oregon, certain funding tools are only available to specific governance approaches (e.g. property  taxes are only available for transportation districts).  The Committee recommends the following:   Maintain a regionally‐based transit system with regional governance.   Pursue legislative changes to allow COIC to levy a property tax (subject to voter approval) for  transit operations.   Short‐term, maintain governance and operations with COIC.   Long‐term, maintain regional governance and ensure that the governance model supports the  chosen funding tool(s).  Service Level  A key question for the Committee has been the vision for transit service ‐ specifically, should transit be  very modest and designed to only meet the needs of transit‐dependent riders, or should it be more  robust and meet broader community goals?  The Committee considered various service levels (see  Appendix C), and recommends the following:   At a minimum, provide a base level of service (Scenario B) across the region within the short‐ term time frame.   Aspire to a robust (Scenario C) service level across the region over the long‐term.    Partnerships  Partnerships are viewed as a key means to stabilize funding for base level of service, improve transit  service over base levels, demonstrate support, and to ensure that all beneficiaries of transit are  contributing.  As stated above, there is a distinction between core local government partners and  focused partnerships with other entities. The Committee recommends the following:   COIC will develop formal partnerships with cities and counties for local funding to provide base  level of service (scenario B) in communities throughout the region.   COIC will pursue focused partnerships to meet the organizations and agencies’ specific  transportation needs, augment base levels of service, and demonstrate the value of transit. Key  partnership opportunities include education, tourism, social service, and health care sectors.   Partnerships should span multiple years, be stable, and involve extensive outreach/  communication and the option for modifications to ensure that services are meeting needs.    Outreach and Engagement     DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 4 of 24  A lack of marketing and outreach/engagement was identified as a key weakness for Cascades East  Transit’s ability to develop public support for transit and partnerships.  The Committee recommends the  following:   Significantly bolster COIC/CET’s outreach/engagement and marketing capacity to raise community  awareness of transit, engage key partners, leverage resources, and build support for transit service  and funding.   Build a strong, diverse coalition of transit supporters with a coordinated message.  Local Dedicated Public Funding Tool  The key to transit sustainability in Central Oregon is the eventual development of a dedicated local  public funding tool.      Principles with which to analyze local public funding options:   The local dedicated public funding tool should support Scenario B service levels (see footnote 3  and Appendix C) throughout the region.   Individual communities and partner organizations can “buy up” service over Scenario B with  increased contributions.   All parts of the region should contribute to transit service.   The local dedicated public funding tool(s) should be consistent with the desire to maintain  ongoing regional governance.   The local dedicated public funding plan should be equitable in that those organizations that  particularly benefit from transit should help pay for it.  The Committee recommends the following:   Over the short‐term, develop partnerships with local governments to collectively develop local  funding to achieve a sustainable base level of service (“Scenario B”) throughout the region.  These  partnerships could be formalized in the form of Agreements specifying important issues such as  funding, service levels, route and hub locations, decision‐making roles, and monitoring and  performance expectations.     Focus short‐term goals and actions towards the passage of a dedicated local public funding tool(s) in  the long term.  See Appendix D for a list and analysis of the available tools.       DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  5  of  24   Fu l l  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s      Sh o r t  Te r m  (1  to  5  Ye a r s )   Lo n g  Te r m  (5  Ye a r s  +)  Go v e r n a n c e  an d   Ge o g r a p h y   Go a l s    Ma i n t a i n  a  re g i o n a l l y ‐ba s e d  sy s t e m  du e  to  va l u e  of  re g i o n a l   co o r d i n a t i o n ,  ec o n o m i e s  of  sc a l e ,  be n e f i t s  to  sm a l l e r  co m m u n i t i e s ,   an d  co l l a b o r a t i o n / p a r t n e r s h i p .   o Wo r k  wi t h    lo c a l  co m m u n i t i e s  an d  pa r t n e r s  to  en s u r e   ac c o u n t a b i l i t y  of  se r v i c e  an d  co n s i s t e n t  co m m u n i c a t i o n    De v e l o p  to o l s  fo r  lo c a l  as  we l l  as  re g i o n ‐sc a l e  fu n d i n g .    Ac t i o n s    Ma i n t a i n  go v e r n a n c e  at  CO I C .    Pu r s u e  OR S  19 0 . 0 8 3  le g i s l a t i v e  ch a n g e s  to  al l o w  tr a n s i t  fu n d i n g  in   20 1 4  or  20 1 5  Se s s i o n .   o Al a n  Un g e r / A O C  le a d i n g ,  OR  Tr a n s i t  As s o c i a t i o n  is  en g a g e d .    Co n s i d e r  co m b i n i n g  Tr i p  97  go v e r n a n c e  wi t h  tr a n s i t  go v e r n a n c e  to   me e t  br o a d e r  re g i o n a l  mu l t i m o d a l  go a l s   o Mo n i t o r  Tr i p  97  th r o u g h  20 1 4 ‐15   Go a l s    Ma i n t a i n  re g i o n a l l y ‐based   go v e r n a n c e    Ac t i o n s    As s u r e  go v e r n a n c e  model  is   ap p r o p r i a t e  for  the  region  and   su p p o r t s  th e  chosen  funding   me c h a n i s m   Le v e l  of  Se r v i c e   Go a l s    Pr o v i d e  a  ba s i c  le v e l  of  se r v i c e  (“ S c e n a r i o  B” ,  de f i n e d  in  Ap p e n d i x  C)   to  ev e r y  co m m u n i t y 3  in  th e  re g i o n ,  wi t h  ac t u a l  se r v i c e  ta i l o r e d  to   co m m u n i t y  ne e d s .    Im p r o v e  le v e l  of  se r v i c e  ab o v e  th e  ba s e  le v e l  to  at t r a c t  ch o i c e  ri d e r s   an d  en a b l e  pa r t n e r s h i p s  wh e r e  po s s i b l e .    Fo c u s  se r v i c e  on  ar e a s  wi t h  hi g h e s t  de m a n d  an d  ne e d .    En s u r e  ma i n t e n a n c e  of  re g i o n a l  sy s t e m  of  co m m u n i t y  co n n e c t o r   sh u t t l e s .    Cu s t o m i z e  se r v i c e s  to  me e t  de m a n d ;  ut i l i z e  ap p r o p r i a t e  mo b i l i t y   op t i o n s  (i . e .  no t  ju s t  bu s e s ,  bu t  va n  po o l s  an d  ot h e r  to o l s ) .   Go a l s    In c r e a s e  se r v i c e  levels  to  attract   ch o i c e  ri d e r s  and  partnerships.   De v e l o p  a  ro b u s t  regional  system   (e . g .  “S c e n a r i o  C”, defined  in   Ap p e n d i x  C) .    Ac t i o n s    Se e  De d i c a t e d  Public  Funding  Tools   an d  Pa r t n e r s h i p s  section                                                                                                                          3  “C o m m u n i t y ”  is  de f i n e d  pr i m a r i l y  as  th e  in c o r p o r a t e d  Ci t i e s  in  th e  re g i o n .  Un i n c o r p o r a t e d  ar e a s  th a t  ca n  de m o n s t r a t e  ne e d  an d  mo b i l i z e  local  funding  would   al s o  be  el i g i b l e  fo r  se r v i c e ,  as s u m i n g  th a t  ex p a n s i o n s  in t o  ne w  ar e a s  co u l d  be  ef f e c t e d  wi t h o u t  ca u s i n g  se r v i c e s  to  fa l l  be l o w  “S c e n a r i o  B” levels  elsewhere.      DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  6  of  24     Sh o r t  Te r m  (1  to  5  Ye a r s )   Lo n g  Te r m  (5  Ye a r s  +)  Ac t i o n s    ID  op p o r t u n i t i e s  to  ex p a n d  se r v i c e  in  Be n d  in  th e  ne a r  te r m .    Co n s i d e r  mo r e  ro b u s t  se r v i c e  th a n  co n t e m p l a t e d  in  th e  Be n d  Tr a n s i t   Pl a n  to  be t t e r  se r v e  ne e d s  in  re l e v a n t  gr o w t h  ar e a s  (e . g .  OS U ,  CO C C ,   St .  Ch a r l e s ,  Ce n t r a l  Di s t r i c t ,  et c . )   o Wo r k  wi t h  th e  Ci t y  of  Be n d  an d  pa r t n e r s  on  th e  Ce n t r a l   Di s t r i c t  MM A  an d  OS U ‐CC  TG M  pr o j e c t s  to  ID  tr a n s i t   ne e d s / o p p o r t u n i t i e s   o En g a g e  OS U ‐CC  on  th e  Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  Ta s k  Fo r c e  to  ID   tr a n s i t  ne e d s / o p p o r t u n i t i e s .     Wo r k  cl o s e l y  wi t h  pa r t n e r s  to  ID  se r v i c e  ne e d s  an d  op p o r t u n i t i e s   (s e e  Pa r t n e r s h i p s  se c t i o n  be l o w )  in  bo t h  lo c a l  an d  in t e r c o m m u n i t y   se r v i c e s .    Wo r k  wi t h  ci t i e s  to  de v e l o p  ov e r a r c h i n g  ag r e e m e n t s  fo r  se r v i c e   le v e l ,  fu n d i n g ,  et c .  (s e e  De d i c a t e d  Lo c a l  Pu b l i c  Fu n d i n g  To o l s   Se c t i o n ) .   o Wo r k  wi t h  Re d m o n d ,  Pr i n e v i l l e ,  an d  Ma d r a s  to  de v e l o p   en h a n c e d  lo c a l  fu n d i n g  to  su p p o r t  co n v e r s i o n  fr o m  DA R  to   fi x e d  or  fl e x  ro u t e  se r v i c e .    If  un s u c c e s s f u l ,  do  no t  co n v e r t .    Be t t e r  ID  ne e d s  of  ke y  se c t o r s :    ed u c a t i o n ,  to u r i s m ,  so c i a l  se r v i c e s ,   he a l t h  ca r e ,  an d  bu s i n e s s  in  ge n e r a l .   “F o c u s e d ”  Pa r t n e r s h i p s   Go a l s    De v e l o p  “w i n ‐wi n ”  pa r t n e r s h i p s  wi t h  ag e n c i e s ,  or g a n i z a t i o n s ,  an d   bu s i n e s s e s  to  st a b i l i z e  tr a n s i t  fu n d i n g  an d  ex p a n d  se r v i c e  de l i v e r y   wh e r e  po s s i b l e .    Pa r t n e r s h i p s  sh o u l d  sp a n  mu l t i p l e  ye a r s ,  be  st a b l e ,  an d  in v o l v e   on g o i n g  co m m u n i c a t i o n  an d  th e  op t i o n  fo r  mo d i f i c a t i o n s  to  en s u r e   th a t  se r v i c e s  ar e  me e t i n g  ne e d s .    De v e l o p  pa r t n e r s h i p s  to  le v e r a g e  gr e a t e r  pu b l i c  su p p o r t .    Le v e r a g e  pa r t n e r s h i p  “e a r l y  ad o p t e r s ”  to  br i n g  in  ne w  pa r t n e r s .    Bu i l d  a  br o a d  vi s i o n  of  pa r t n e r s h i p s  an d  re s u l t i n g  tr a n s i t  se r v i c e s .    Ex h i b i t  vo l u n t a r y  co n t r i b u t i o n  or  in v e s t m e n t  in  th e  sy s t e m  by  th o s e   wh o  th r o u g h  no r m a l  ta x i n g  me t h o d o l o g i e s  mi g h t  be  ex e m p t  fr o m   Go a l s    Pa r t n e r s h i p s  are  used  to  support   lo c a l  de d i c a t e d  funding  efforts  and   to  im p r o v e  se r v i c e  levels  over  what   lo c a l  de d i c a t e d  public  funding  can   pr o v i d e .   Ac t i o n s       DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  7  of  24     Sh o r t  Te r m  (1  to  5  Ye a r s )   Lo n g  Te r m  (5  Ye a r s  +)  di r e c t  co n t r i b u t i o n .    Ac t i o n s    Fu n d  ra i s e  wi t h  fo u n d a t i o n s ,  st a t e  ag e n c i e s ,  an d  ot h e r  pa r t n e r s  fo r   CO I C  to  es t a b l i s h  a  pa r t n e r s h i p / o u t r e a c h  an d  en g a g e m e n t  po s i t i o n    Wo r k  wi t h  re l e v a n t  ke y  pa r t n e r s  to  su p p o r t  pa r t n e r s h i p  di s c u s s i o n s   – ad  ho c  Pa r t n e r s h i p  an d  Ou t r e a c h  St r a t e g i c  Te a m    Pu r s u e  im m e d i a t e  pa r t n e r s h i p  pr i o r i t i e s / p o t e n t i a l :    CO C C ,  OS U ‐CC ,   To u r i s m / U S F S ,  an d  St .  Ch a r l e s / C C O / h e a l t h  ca r e .    Pu r s u e  th e  fo l l o w i n g  to  de v e l o p  pa r t n e r s h i p s :   o Wo r k  wi t h  ci t i e s  wi t h  fi x e d  ro u t e  se r v i c e  to  pr o v i d e  cr e d i t s   to  im p a c t  fe e  ag r e e m e n t s  an d  re q u i r e m e n t s  (e . g .  pa r k i n g   re q u i r e m e n t s )  in  ex c h a n g e  fo r  he l p i n g  to  fu n d  se r v i c e   op e r a t i o n s  an d / o r  in f r a s t r u c t u r e  in  li e u  of  ot h e r   tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  im p r o v e m e n t s .    Ut i l i z e  tr a n s i t  tr i p  es t i m a t o r  to o l  to  es t i m a t e  im p a c t s   o CO C C  an d  OS U ‐CC  st u d e n t  as s o c i a t i o n  fe e s  (s t u d e n t  pa s s   pr o g r a m ) .   o ID  op p o r t u n i t i e s  to  re d u c e  ex i s t i n g  tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  co s t s  (e . g .   mi l e a g e  re i m b u r s e m e n t  fo r  em p l o y e e s )  or  ne w  co s t s  (e . g .   ne w  pa r k i n g  st r u c t u r e s ) .   o Co n s i d e r  de v e l o p m e n t  of  Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  Ma n a g e m e n t   As s o c i a t i o n s  to  fr a m e  an d  po o l  lo c a l  pa r t n e r s h i p s .   o Le v e r a g e  ne e d  fo r  re g i o n a l  tr a n s i t  sy s t e m  to  su p p o r t  Ce n t r a l   OR  re s i l i e n c y  in  fa c e  of  Ca s c a d i a  Su b d u c t i o n  Zo n e   ea r t h q u a k e   Ou t r e a c h / E n g a g e m e n t   an d  Ma r k e t i n g   Go a l s    Si g n i f i c a n t l y  bo l s t e r  CO I C / C E T ’ s  ou t r e a c h / e n g a g e m e n t  an d   ma r k e t i n g  ca p a c i t y  to  ra i s e  co m m u n i t y  aw a r e n e s s  of  tr a n s i t ,  en g a g e   ke y  pa r t n e r s ,  le v e r a g e  re s o u r c e s ,  an d  bu i l d  su p p o r t  fo r  tr a n s i t   se r v i c e  an d  fu n d i n g .    Bu i l d  a  st r o n g ,  di v e r s e  co a l i t i o n  of  tr a n s i t  su p p o r t e r s    Em p o w e r  na t u r a l  pa r t n e r s  to  sp e a k  on  be h a l f  of  tr a n s i t  wi t h   Go a l s    Co n t i n u e d  hi g h  level  of   ou t r e a c h / e n g a g e m e n t  and   ma r k e t i n g    Bu i l d  PA C  fu n d i n g  campaign    Ac t i o n s       DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  8  of  24     Sh o r t  Te r m  (1  to  5  Ye a r s )   Lo n g  Te r m  (5  Ye a r s  +)  co o r d i n a t e d  me s s a g i n g .    En s u r e  th a t  ri d e r s  an d  ot h e r  us e r s  (e . g .  ag e n c i e s  th a t  re l y  on  tr a n s i t )   kn o w  ab o u t  po t e n t i a l  sy s t e m  ch a n g e s  an d  ar e  in v o l v e d  in  se r v i c e   de c i s i o n s  an d  pr i o r i t i e s .    Cr e a t e  a  sh a r e d  Vi s i o n  of  tr a n s i t  se r v i c e  in  Ce n t r a l  Or e g o n .    Ac t i o n s    Wo r k  wi t h  th e  Be n d  MP O  to  bu i l d  a  tr a n s i t  Vi s i o n  ba s e d  on  th e   Tr a n s i t  Pl a n s  an d  ad d i t i o n a l  wo r k  wi t h  st a k e h o l d e r s .    Wo r k  wi t h  ke y  pa r t n e r s  to  st e e r  ou t r e a c h  an d  en g a g e m e n t  an d   me s s a g i n g  – Pa r t n e r s h i p  an d  Ou t r e a c h  St r a t e g i c  Te a m    De v e l o p  a  de d i c a t e d  ou t r e a c h / e n g a g e m e n t  an d  ma r k e t i n g  po s i t i o n   at  CO I C / C E T  (i n  ta n d e m  wi t h  pa r t n e r s h i p  po s i t i o n  ab o v e )    Wo r k  wi t h  Co m m u t e  Op t i o n s  to  de v e l o p  an d  im p l e m e n t  an   in t e g r a t e d  ou t r e a c h  pl a n .    Ap p r o a c h  th e  Re g i o n a l  So l u t i o n s  Te a m  ab o u t  pr o v i d i n g  su p p o r t  fo r   ou t r e a c h / e n g a g e m e n t  an d  ma r k e t i n g  ef f o r t s  vi a  st a t e  ag e n c i e s ,   fo u n d a t i o n s ,  an d  po t e n t i a l l y  ot h e r  so u r c e s .    Ap p r o a c h  th e  Co o r d i n a t e d  Ca r e  Or g a n i z a t i o n  ab o u t  fu n d i n g  to   pr o m o t e  tr a n s i t  as  ac t i v e  tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  an d  ac c e s s  to  he a l t h  ca r e .    Re s e a r c h  op p o r t u n i t i e s  fo r  Me y e r  Me m o r i a l  Tr u s t  an d  Or e g o n   Co m m u n i t y  Fo u n d a t i o n  fu n d i n g    En g a g e  gr a s s r o o t s  pa r t n e r s  (e . g .  RE A L M S  st u d e n t s ,  se n i o r  ci t i z e n s ,   dr i v e r s ,  et c . )  to  he l p  te l l  th e  st o r y  of  tr a n s i t .    Bu i l d  a  ma r k e t i n g  ca m p a i g n  th a t  fo c u s e s  on  th e  va l u e s  mo s t   ap p r e c i a t e d  by  Ce n t r a l  Or e g o n i a n s  – he l p s  th e  ec o n o m y ,  he l p s   pe o p l e  in  ne e d ,  su p p o r t s  go a l s  su c h  as  OS U ‐CC .    Br i n g  ou t c o m e s  of  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  to  lo c a l  go v e r n m e n t s  to   en g a g e  th e m  mo r e  de e p l y  in  fu n d i n g  an d  su p p o r t i n g  tr a n s i t ;  en g a g e   in  on g o i n g  ou t r e a c h / e n g a g e m e n t  wi t h  ci t i e s  an d  co u n t i e s .    Br i n g  to  Ad F e d  ne x t  ye a r .    Ex p a n d  so c i a l  me d i a  pr e s e n c e  si g n i f i c a n t l y    Ha v e  tr a n s i t  “b e  ev e r y w h e r e ”  (p i g g y b a c k  on  me e t i n g s ,  et c . )       DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  9  of  24     Sh o r t  Te r m  (1  to  5  Ye a r s )   Lo n g  Te r m  (5  Ye a r s  +)  De d i c a t e d  Lo c a l  Pu b l i c   Fu n d i n g  To o l s   Go a l s    Ac h i e v e  re l i a b l e  pu b l i c  fu n d i n g  to  ac h i e v e  Sc e n a r i o  B  se r v i c e  le v e l s   ac r o s s  th e  re g i o n .    Ac h i e v e  Sc e n a r i o  C  se r v i c e  le v e l s  in  co m m u n i t i e s  th a t  wi s h  to  bu y  up   se r v i c e  an d / o r  in  sp e c i f i c  ar e a s  wi t h i n  co m m u n i t i e s  wi t h  hi g h e r   ne e d s  an d  re s o u r c e  av a i l a b i l i t y  (e . g .  se r v i c e  to  OS U ‐CC  an d  CO C C   an d / o r  ot h e r  ar e a s )    En g a g e  lo c a l  Ci t i e s  an d  Co u n t i e s  in  tr a n s i t  fu n d i n g  an d  fu n d i n g   pa r t n e r s h i p s .    Ac t i o n s    Im m e d i a t e l y  be g i n  a  pr o c e s s  to  de v e l o p  pa r t n e r s h i p s  wi t h  lo c a l  ci t i e s   to  co l l e c t i v e l y  de v e l o p  lo c a l  fu n d i n g  to  ac h i e v e  a  su s t a i n a b l e  ba s e   le v e l  of  se r v i c e  (“ S c e n a r i o  B” )  th r o u g h o u t  th e  re g i o n .    Co m m u n i t y ‐ le v e l  fu n d i n g  wi l l  be  ba s e d  up o n  ac t u a l  co s t s  fo r  Sc e n a r i o  B  an d  lo c a l   ma t c h  ne e d s .  Th e s e  pa r t n e r s h i p s  co u l d  be  fo r m a l i z e d  in  th e  fo r m  of   Ag r e e m e n t s  sp e c i f y i n g  im p o r t a n t  is s u e s  su c h  as  fu n d i n g ,  se r v i c e   le v e l s ,  ro u t e  an d  hu b  lo c a t i o n s ,  de c i s i o n ‐ma k i n g  ro l e s ,  an d   mo n i t o r i n g  an d  pe r f o r m a n c e  ex p e c t a t i o n s .   o St a r t  wi t h  Be n d  an d  Re d m o n d ,  as  th e s e  ar e  th e  co m m u n i t i e s   wi t h  th e  gr e a t e s t  ne e d  fo r  tr a n s i t  se r v i c e s ,  ar e  th e  mo s t ‐ de s i r e d  de s t i n a t i o n s  fo r  ri d e r s ,  an d  th e  gr e a t e s t  re s o u r c e   av a i l a b i l i t y   o Br o k e r  ag r e e m e n t s  th a t  in c l u d e  ot h e r  so u r c e s  of  fu n d i n g ,   in c l u d i n g  ex i s t i n g  lo c a l  fu n d i n g  so u r c e s  an d  ne w   pa r t n e r s h i p s   Go a l s    De v e l o p  a  de d i c a t e d ,  local, publicly ‐ fu n d e d  to o l ( s )  to  achieve  “Scenario   B”  se r v i c e  le v e l s  across  the  region  by   20 1 8 / 1 9 .    Th e  fu n d i n g  tool  will  replace  existing   fu n d i n g  so u r c e s  in  areas  that  desire   Sc e n a r i o  B  se r v i c e  levels.  In  areas   th a t  de s i r e  Sc e n a r i o  C  services, it   wo u l d  au g m e n t  existing  funding  to   “b u y  up ”  to  the  desired  service  level.  Ac t i o n s   No t e :  Al l  Ac t i o n s  listed  elsewhere  in  this   ta b l e  ar e  or i e n t e d  towards  the  above   go a l .    Ba s e d  on  fu t u r e  survey  findings  and   ot h e r  ou t r e a c h ,  ID  the  preferred   pu b l i c  fu n d i n g  tool(s) for  the  region   an d  ea c h  co m m u n i t y  (property  tax,  pa y r o l l  ta x ,  sa l e s  tax, and/or  utility   fe e ) .    Bu i l d  a  ca m p a i g n  and  develop  public   fu n d i n g  to o l .       APPENDICES   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 10 of 24  Appendices    A. CET Funding Committee Roster and Meeting Process/Timeline  B. Summary September 2013 Transit Survey Findings  C. Transit Service Level Scenarios and High‐Level Costs  D. Available Dedicated Local Public Funding Tools for Transit  E. Transit Funding Governance Options  APPENDIX A   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 11 of 24         CET Funding Committee Process and Timeline Updated: December 13, 2013 Committee Purpose: To develop recommendations for the COIC Board on four primary questions:  Governance: Should transit continue to be operated at the regional scale by COIC, and/or should a transit district or districts be formed?  Funding Geography: Should there be a single tri-county local funding solution, or a combination of funding solutions tailored to the service needs/priorities and willingness to pay of individual communities?  Local Funding Tool: Considering the broad array of dedicated funding tools in use in Oregon, what/which are appropriate for CET? If a fee or tax is recommended, what should the rate be?  Level of Service: Should the funding solution(s) be aimed at maintaining the current level of service, a highly expanded level of service, or somewhere in between? Meeting Date Meeting Discussion Topics/Goals Meeting #1 – August 16 Committee Orientation and CET Overview  Discuss committee goals, process and timeline  Orient participants to CET funding framework; Work to date on system vision, planning, and sustainable system funding concepts  High level review of governance options  High level review of funding mechanism options  Determine CET Committee need for additional information, data, research Meeting #2 – September 6 Data and Info on Budget and Funding Mechanisms  Review of CET service level/cost scenarios  Detailed review range of transit system funding mechanism options  Determine CET Committee need for additional information, data, research, etc. Meeting #3 – September 20 Data and Info on Governance  Detailed review range of options for transit system governance  Review preliminary outcomes of regional public phone survey  Determine CET Committee need for additional information, data, research, etc. Meeting #4 – October 4 Regional Options  Discussion of geographic governance options  Review final survey outcomes and findings/meet with consultant firm  Determine CET Committee need for additional information, data, research, etc. Meeting #5 – October 18 Facilitated Discussion – CET Sustainability Concepts  Facilitated Committee discussion regarding options for a sustainable funding approach. Preliminary identification of recommendations.  Determine CET Committee need for additional information, data, research, etc. Meeting #6 – November 1 Develop Draft/Preliminary Recommendations  Develop draft recommendations on sustainable funding approach Meeting #7 – November 15 Develop Draft/Preliminary Recommendations  Develop draft recommendations on sustainable funding approach  Achieve concurrence on recommendations to COIC Board November 15 – January 2014 Outreach  Provide draft recommendations to COIC Board, city councils, County boards of commissioners, and stakeholders; solicit comment and feedback. Meeting #8 – TBD Develop Revised/Final Recommendations  Based on COIC Board questions and feedback, revise/refine recommendations  Discuss implementation concepts and next steps  Achieve concurrence on revised recommendations to COIC Board COIC Board Meeting – February 6, 2014 Acceptance of Recommendations  COIC Board accepts final recommendations  COIC Board approves sustainable funding plan for CET system APPENDIX A   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 12 of 24      COIC –CET Funding Committee Roster   COIC Board Member Appointees  Alan Unger, Deschutes County Commissioner 541‐388‐6569  Alan.Unger@deschutes.org   Richard Ladeby, Madras City Council  503‐930‐7093  rladeby@ci.madras.or.us  Jason Carr, Prineville City Council  541‐233‐9692  jcarr@cityofprineville.com  Chris Bellusci, Private Sector  541‐550‐0745  cbellusci@geoengineers.com  Victor Chudowsky, Bend City Council  541‐749‐0085  vchudowsky@ci.bend.or.us  Jim Wilson, Private Sector  541‐410‐7746  brassrng@gmail.com    Regional Appointees  Scott Cooper, Executive Director  NeighborImpact  541‐548‐2380 ext102  scottc@neighborimpact.org  Jeff Monson, Executive Director  Commute Options  541‐330‐2647  jeff@commuteoptions.org  George Endicott, Mayor  City of Redmond  541‐504‐2000  George.Endicott@ci.redmond.or.us Pamela Norr, Executive Director  Central Oregon Council on Aging  541‐678‐5483  pnorr@councilonaging.org Ken Fahlgren, Commissioner  Crook County  541‐447‐6555  ken.fahlgren@co.crook.or.us  Ron Parsons, Program Manager  Oregon Department  of Human Services  541‐504‐1320 ext 438  Ron.Parsons@state.or.us Gary Farnsworth, Area Manager  Oregon Dept. of Transportation  541‐388‐6071  Gary.C.FARNSWORTH@odot.state.or.us  Dave Rathbun, President and General Manager Mt. Bachelor  541‐382‐4224  drathbun@mtbachelor.com  Wendy Holzman, Councilor  City of Sisters  541‐549‐8558  WHolzman@ci.sisters.or.us Mike Riley, Executive Director  Environmental Center  541‐385‐6908 x 19  mike@envirocenter.org  Eric King, City Manager  City of Bend  541‐388‐5505  eking@bendoregon.gov  Kirk Schueler, Chief Administrative Officer St. Charles Health System  541‐706‐6958  keschueler@stcharleshealthcare.org Matt McCoy, Vice President for Administration Central Oregon Community College  541‐383‐7704  mmcccoy@cocc.edu Matt Shinderman, Natural Resources  OSU Cascades  541‐322‐3159  Matt.Shinderman@osucascades.edu    COIC Staff  Andrew Spreadborough, Executive  Director (541) 504‐3306  aspreadborough@coic.org  Karen Friend, Deputy Director/CET Manager (541) 548‐9543  kfriend@coic.org  Scott Aycock,  Community Development Mgr. (541) 548‐9523  scotta@coic.org  Tamara Geiger, Program Assistant  (541) 548‐9527  tgeiger@coic.org    APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 13 of 24  September 27, 2013 TO: Scott Aycock and Karen Friend, COIC FROM: Robin Kreger, Moore Information RE: Central Oregon Voters and Transportation Issues       Methodology A total of 1,150 live telephone interviews were conducted among representative samples of voters in four Central Oregon cities, including: N=400 interviews in Bend; N=400 in Redmond; N=200 in Prineville and N=150 in Madras.   The region-wide N=1,150 interviews were weighted to actual voter population of the four city area. Landline and cell phone interviews were conducted September 12-17, 2013. The sampling error associated with each survey follows: Plus or minus 3% at the 95% confidence level for N=1,150. Plus or minus 5% at the 95% confidence level for N=400. Plus or minus 7% at the 95% confidence level for N=200. Plus or minus 8% at the 95% confidence level for N=150.   Summary and Highlights   Overview The transportation funding measures tested in these surveys are unlikely to pass in the Central Oregon region, or in any of the four individual cities, as economic factors weigh heavily on voters’ minds and lack of public transportation is not a salient issue.   • Overall, the current issue priority region-wide is “creating jobs” (the top issue for 54%), distantly followed by “improving public education” (20%). “Improving public transportation” is the most important issue for just 7% of respondents in the region. • It is important to note that a significant percentage of voters don’t know how to rate their area’s public transportation system, with 30% having no opinion region-wide (28% no opinion in Bend, 36% Redmond, 34% Prineville and 31% Madras). • Further, lack of public transportation is not a leading issue for respondents region- wide, nor is it in any of the four cities. • The fact that most voters are not concerned about “lack of public transportation” in their transportation routines as well as the high percentage of voters who currently have no opinion about public transportation in their own community is reflected in the lack of enthusiasm for the funding measures tested in the survey. 2130 SW Jefferson St. Ste. 200 Portland, OR 97201 428 4th St., Ste. 8 Annapolis, MD 21403 1821 South Ave West, Ste. 406 Missoula, MT 59801 503.221.3100 410.216.9856 406.317.1662 APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 14 of 24  Funding Options When given the chance to choose a preferred funding option for public transportation expansion and improvements, fully 52% of the region’s voters prefer no tax or fee increases (this includes 33% who prefer “re-allocation of funds from programs and services” paid for by their city’s general fund and 18% who prefer no increase).   Looking specifically at a potential property tax increase, the survey tested two funding levels; a 35-cent per thousand/assessed value and a 20-cent option. Neither property tax option would be approved in an election held today, and the less expensive option would also face an uphill battle to pass in the near future, at least while economic issues are foremost on voters’ minds and public transportation is not perceived as a major problem.   The survey also explored a potential utility fee option to fund transportation, described to respondents as a “$2.75 per month utility fee, totaling $33 per year.” This funding option is unpopular and generates majority opposition region-wide and among voters in all cities.   Messaging and Moving Forward The most effective message in generating support for a property tax increase for public transportation overall is:   “Improving public transit in [CITY] will provide services for area residents who are disabled or elderly or are lower income who depend on transit service.”   This message is rated “very” important in transit funding voting decisions by more than 50% of all voters, region-wide and by city. This message has potential to be leveraged in future COIC communications, including potential marketing and outreach efforts.   Further, region-wide, voters are more likely to agree that public transportation should be “substantial,” rather than “minimal.”   “Public transportation in the [CITY] area should be substantial. Public transportation is an important element for encouraging the area’s economic growth, and plays an important part in reducing traffic congestion and our area’s environmental impact.”   COIC communications should leverage the following groups’ support for “substantial” public transportation into willingness to vote for funding measures for public transit: Bend residents, women, voters age 18-64, Democrats, Independents, voters who have voted in three or fewer of the last four elections and public transit supporters.   More survey details follow.   Most Important Issue Overall, the current issue priority region-wide is “creating jobs” (the top issue for 54%), distantly followed by “improving public education” (20%). “Improving public transportation” is the most important issue for just 7% of respondents in the region. Additional responses include “reducing crime” (6%) and “protecting the environment” (5%). Another 5% say “something else” is the most important issue and 3% have no opinion. Creating jobs is the current issue priority among all subgroups region-wide.    “Creating jobs” is the most important issue among voters in all four cities and “improving public transportation” is not a top priority anywhere (7% say improving public transportation is most important in Bend, 7% in Redmond, 2% in Prineville and 6% in Madras). APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 15 of 24  Transportation Issues Fully 79% of voters believe that their area’s public transportation system (identified primarily as Cascades East Transit bus system) is important, including 47% who say it is “very” important. Another 13% say it is “not very important.” Just 5% say it is “not important at all” and 3% have no opinion. There is majority agreement among all voter subgroups in the region that the area’s public transportation system is important.    These results are consistent across all cities, with wide majorities considering the public transportation system important (81% important in Bend, 70% Redmond, 78% Prineville, 82% Madras).   When it comes to rating their area’s public transportation system on a scale from excellent to poor, voters in the region are not impressed, with just 14% giving an “excellent/above average” rating, 33% saying “average” and 23% “below average/poor.” Importantly, a significant percentage of voters don’t know enough to rate their area’s public transportation system, with 30% having no opinion region-wide. Subgroups least likely to know enough about the transportation system to have an opinion include: seniors, Redmond residents, voters who say public transportation is not important and voters who are undecided on a potential property tax increase and potential utility fee.    Sentiment is consistent across all cities, with no more than 16% giving a combined “excellent/above average” rating (15% excellent/above average in Bend, 11% Redmond, 12% Prineville, 16% Madras). And similarly, significant percentages of voters in each city don’t know enough about the system to have an opinion (28% no opinion in Bend, 36% Redmond, 34% Prineville and 31% Madras).   From a personal standpoint, the two biggest problems voters have when traveling from one place to another in the region are “road construction” (23%) and “condition of roads/potholes/dangerous roads” (20%), followed by “congestion” (17%). Other perceived problems include “don’t drive or have access to a car” (6%), “lack of public transportation” (5%) and “lack of certainty about the time it will take to get there by car” (2%). Another 15% give an unspecified response and 13% have no opinion.   The biggest perceived problem(s) differ by city, but lack of public transportation is not a top concern anywhere. Bend voters are most concerned about construction and condition of roads, Redmond voters are most concerned with construction, Prineville voters say congestion and Madras voters are concerned with condition of roads. The following table illustrates these results.   Biggest Transportation Problem   Region- wide Bend Redmond Prineville   Madras Road construction 23% 20% 42% 4% 3% Condition of roads, potholes, and dangerous roads   20% 22% 12% 8%   26% Congestion 17% 19% 8% 19% 18% Don’t drive/have access to a car 6% 6% 2% 6% 7% Lack of public transportation 5% 5% 6% 8% 7% Lack of certainty about time 2% 2% 1% 2% 2% Something else 15% 13% 14% 25% 21% Don’t know 13% 12% 15% 27% 15% APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 16 of 24  Funding Proposals When given the chance to choose a preferred funding option for public transportation expansion and improvements, fully 52% of the region’s voters prefer no tax or fee increases. This includes one-in-three (33%) who prefer “re-allocation of funds from programs and services” paid for by their city’s general fund and 18% who prefer no increase (this was a volunteered response to this question). Among those who would be open to some type of funding option, 14% prefer a city-wide sales tax on prepared food and beverages, followed by a property tax increase for homeowners (9%), increased payroll taxes for businesses (6%) and a utility fee for homeowners and businesses (5%). All voter subgroups prefer re-allocation/no increases over any of the funding options.    Similarly, re-allocation/no increases is the leading preference among voters in all cities. Redmond and Prineville residents are most likely to share this sentiment (63% Redmond, 63% Prineville), but a plurality of voters in Madras and Bend are also opposed to any type of increase (49% Bend, 47% Madras).   In a follow-up question, voters were asked why they preferred the option they chose. The leading response for choosing re-allocation of the existing general fund dollars was “too many taxes/can’t afford taxes.” There is less consensus for preferring the other options:    Those who prefer a property tax increase say they are “in favor of property taxes,” “it’s fair,” “it’s the “best option” and “transportation is necessary.”    Those who prefer a utility fee say “everyone should be taxed equally,” “it’s fair,” “homeowners shouldn’t have to shoulder the whole load” and it’s the “best option.”    Those who prefer a sales tax on prepared food/beverages say “tourists should/will also contribute,” “in favor of food/sales tax,” it’s the “best option” and “everyone should be taxed equally.”    Those who prefer an increase in payroll taxes say “transportation is necessary,” “businesses should pay for it,” “funds are not spent properly,” “oppose a property tax,” “don’t want them taking money from schools” and “too many taxes, can’t afford taxes.”   Looking specifically at a potential property tax increase, the survey tested two funding levels; a 35-cent per thousand/assessed home value and a 20-cent option. Survey results reveal that neither property tax option would be approved in an election held today and the lower option would also face an uphill battle to pass in the near future, at least while economic issues are foremost on voters’ minds and lack of public transportation is not perceived as a major problem. APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 17 of 24  35-Cent Option Region-wide, two-in-three voters (67%) would vote no on the 35-cent option, including more than half (54%) who would “definitely” vote no. Just 27% would vote yes on this option, presented as follows:   “Would you vote ‘yes’ to support or ‘no’ to oppose a property tax increase of an additional 35 cents per thousand dollars of assessed home value, or   BEND= $88 per year on a $250,000 home REDMOND= $70 per year on a $200,000 home PRINEVILLE= $61 per year on a $175,000 home MADRAS= $53 per year on a $150,000 home   to sustain and improve transit service levels in [CITY]?”   All voter subgroups across the region are opposed to this funding option. The strongest support for this option comes from voters age 18-34, Democrats and “transit supporters.” (“Transit supporters” include voters who say improving public transit is the most important issue in their city, say public transit is “very important,” rate local public transit as “excellent/above average” and voters who say a lack of public transit is their biggest personal transportation problem.) However, support among any of these groups does not reach a majority.    By city, the 35-cent option faces majority opposition among all four cities (67% opposed in Bend, 68% in Redmond, 71% in Prineville and 57% in Madras).   20-Cent Option A 20-cent property increase option is also opposed region-wide, with 54% opposed (including 44% who are “definitely” opposed) and 42% in support (just 13% “definitely” support). The language for the lower cost option follows and was asked among voters who said “no” or were undecided on the 35-cent option. Results among these voters were then combined with the “yes” responses on the 35-cent option to get overall results (it is assumed that “yes” voters on the 35-cent option would also support the lower amount).   “Instead of 35 cents, would you vote ‘yes’ to support or ‘no’ to oppose a property tax increase of an additional 20 cents per thousand dollars of assessed home value, or   BEND= $50 per year on a $250,000 home REDMOND= $40 per year on a $200,000 home PRINEVILLE= $35 per year on a $175,000 home MADRAS= $30 per year on a $150,000 home   to sustain transit service levels in [CITY]?”   As with the 35-cent option, the most supportive of the 20-cent option are voters age 18-34, Democrats and “transit supporters.”    By city, Bend, Redmond and Prineville voters are opposed to the lower amount in majority numbers (54% opposed in Bend, 56% Redmond, 59% Prineville). However, in Madras, voters are divided on the 20-cent option (47% yes, 49% no). Among the most supportive subgroups in Madras are women, younger voters, Democrats and “transit supporters.” APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 18 of 24    The following table illustrates results for both cost options.   Potential Property Tax Increase    35-Cent Option 20-Cent Option    Yes Don’t know No Yes Don’t know No Region-wide 27% 6% 67% 42% 4% 54% Bend 26% 6% 67% 41% 4% 54% Redmond 26% 6% 68% 41% 3% 56% Prineville 25% 4% 71% 39% 2% 59% Madras 35% 8% 57% 47% 4% 49%   After the property tax increase options were tested, the following additional information was presented to respondents:   “Here is some more information about a potential property tax increase, as you may know, the final amount of the proposed property tax has not been determined.   A 35-cent property tax increase would allow for public transportation improvements throughout your area, including increased bus routes, hours and frequency; expanded weekend service and expanded shuttle service between Central Oregon cities.   A 20-cent property tax increase would maintain current public transportation service levels only, with no improvements.   Based on this, do you prefer a 35-cent property tax increase option or a 20-cent property tax increase option?”   Based on this additional information, there is no consensus among voters overall; 28% prefer the 35-cent option, 31% the 20-cent option and 36% prefer no increase (a volunteered option). Region-wide, among voters open to an increase, subgroups most likely to support the 35-cent option over the 20-cent options are voters age 18-34, Democrats and “transit supporters.”   After hearing this additional information, results by city follow:    Bend voters are divided between the options, but 37% still want no increase.  Redmond voters prefer the 20-cent option 31-22%, but 41% still want no increase.  Prineville voters are divided, but 35% still want no increase.  Madras voters are divided, but 28% still want no increase.   The survey also explored a potential utility fee option to fund transportation, described to respondents as a “$2.75 per month utility fee, totaling $33 per year.” This funding option is unpopular and generates majority opposition region-wide (55%). Further, 41% “strongly” oppose (vs. 38% total support, 14% “strongly” support). Similar to the potential property tax increase, the most supportive subgroups for a utility fee are younger voters, Democrats and “transit supporters.”    Looking at city results, majorities of voters in all cities oppose a utility fee. APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 19 of 24    The following table illustrates results for the utility fee.   Potential Utility Fee   Support utility fee Don’t know Oppose utility fee Region-wide 38% 8% 55% Bend 39% 8% 54% Redmond 35% 8% 58% Prineville 31% 6% 62% Madras 39% 9% 52%   Messaging The survey also tested four messages about public transit and asked voters to rate the importance of each when it comes to voting on a potential property tax increase.   The most effective message overall focuses on providing services for transit-dependent residents; more than eight-in-ten (84%) say this is important in their voting decision for a property tax increase.   “Improving public transit in [CITY] will provide services for area residents who are disabled or elderly or are lower income who depend on transit service.”   This message is rated “very” important by more than 50% of all voters, region-wide and by city, among all key voter subgroups.   The three additional messages tested are not nearly as effective. Although each receives combined “total important” ratings above 50%, fewer voters say these messages are “very” important in their voting decisions and the messages’ total “not important” scores are higher.   A table illustrating these results follows. APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 20 of 24  Public Transit Messages   Very imp. Somewhat imp. Total imp. Total not imp. Improving public transit in [CITY] will provide services for area residents who are disabled or elderly or are lower income who depend on transit service. Region-wide 54% 30% 84% 13% Bend 55% 31% 86% 12% Redmond 51% 30% 81% 15% Prineville 53% 29% 81% 15% Madras 57% 23% 80% 14% Public transit is an affordable way to travel and transit riders save thousands of dollars when they forego owning a car and rely on transit for most trips. Improving public transit in [CITY] would allow area riders to realize these savings. Region-wide 29% 37% 65% 31% Bend 28% 37% 65% 31% Redmond 29% 35% 64% 29% Prineville 22% 40% 62% 35% Madras 35% 39% 74% 21% Public transit is an important tool in responding to environmental concerns about air quality and greenhouse gases. Region-wide 34% 33% 66% 31% Bend 36% 32% 69% 29% Redmond 29% 32% 61% 34% Prineville 20% 33% 52% 44% Madras 37% 34% 71% 25% Public transit is essential to the economy of the region. Improving public transit in [CITY] will do more than provide basic services – it will encourage and support economic development. Region-wide 28% 38% 66% 29% Bend 29% 38% 67% 29% Redmond 27% 34% 60% 33% Prineville 19% 38% 57% 36% Madras 32% 36% 67% 25%   The survey also tested two schools of thought on public transportation and asked if respondents agreed or disagreed with each.   “Public transportation in the [CITY] area should be minimal, and primarily provide transportation for people who have no other options, such as low-income residents, the disabled and the elderly.”   “Public transportation in the [CITY] area should be substantial. Public transportation is an important element for encouraging the area’s economic growth, and plays an important part in reducing traffic congestion and our area’s environmental impact.” APPENDIX B   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 21 of 24  Region-wide, voters are more likely to agree that public transportation should be substantial (66% agree, 32% strongly agree) rather than minimal (51% agree, 25% strongly agree).   Looking at subgroup responses region-wide, subgroups among the most likely to believe transportation should be substantial include:   • Bend residents • Women • Voters age 18-64 • Democrats and Independents • Voters who have voted in three or fewer of the last four elections • “Transit supporters” • Voters willing to pay a fee/tax increase for public transit   COIC communications should leverage the above subgroups’ support for “substantial” public transportation into willingness to vote for funding measures for public transit.   Conversely, among the most likely to believe transportation should be minimal are:   • Prineville residents • Republicans • Fee/tax increase opponents APPENDIX C   DRAFT CET Funding Committee Recommendations Page 22 of 24  Transit Service Level Scenarios and High-Level Costs December 13, 2013    The CET Funding Committee considered four service levels in their discussions.  With the exception of  Scenario A, which is the current budget, the costs for each service level are high‐level estimates.      Scenarios Description Total Cost Estimated  Local  Portion  Scenario A – Current  Service  Current service levels –no budget for contingencies,  planning, outreach/engagement, or capital replacement.  $5.2 Million $1.9 Million Scenario B – Current,  Sustainable and  Convenient  Current service levels PLUS   Conversion to fixed route in Redmond   Conversion to flex routes in Madras/Prineville   Budget for planning and outreach   Budget for capital replacement and  contingencies  $6.1 Million4 $2.3 Million Scenario C – Mid‐term  Buildout  Full Mid‐term Buildout as Proposed in Bend and Regional  Transit Master Plans:   Additional local fixed routes in Bend and  Redmond   Later evening hours   Saturday service in rural areas   Additional Community Connector shuttle runs    Limited Sunday service  $9.2 Million5    $4.9 Million Scenario D – Urban  Services  Conceptual Urban Transit Service with significantly  reduced headways and extensive expansion in service  hours (early morning and late evening), days, and CC  shuttle runs.  $16.3 Million $11.8 Million                                                                4 Year 1 of Scenario B also includes a total capital expansion cost of $372,500.  Local match will depend on the grant  program, but would typically be in the 10‐50% range ($37,000‐$186,000).  5 Year 1 of Scenario C would include $656,000 in capital expansion costs in Bend.  Local match is estimated at 20% of  this total, or $131,200.  AP P E N D I X  D     DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  23  of  24   DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  To o l s  an d  Ra t e s   Or i g i n a l  Se p t e m b e r  19 ,  20 1 3   Co s t  Fi g u r e s  an d  Ra t e s  Up d a t e d  De c e m b e r  13 ,  20 1 3    Th e  fo l l o w i n g  ta b l e  pr o v i d e s  es t i m a t e d  ra t e s  to  ac h i e v e  ne e d e d  lo c a l  fu n d i n g  to  su p p o r t  di f f e r e n t  tr a n s i t  se r v i c e  sc e n a r i o s .      To t a l  co s t Lo c a l  Fu n d i n g   Re q u i r e d   Pr o p e r t y  Ta x   Ra t e   Pa y r o l l   Ta x  Ra t e   Ut i l i t y  Fee  Rate Sc e n a r i o  B  – Su s t a i n  cu r r e n t  se r v i c e ,  in c l u d i n g  ca p i t a l  re p l a c e m e n t  an d   ex p a n s i o n .    Co n v e r s i o n  to  fi x e d  ro u t e  in  Re d m o n d ,  fl e x  ro u t e s  in  Ma d r a s   an d  Pr i n e v i l l e .   $6 , 1 4 1 , 3 2 2 $2 , 2 9 6 , 0 9 2   $0 . 1 1 5 / $ 1 , 0 0 0 0. 0 0 0 8 7 10 3 %  of  the  revenue   ge n e r a t e d  by  Corvallis    Sc e n a r i o  C  – Ex p a n d  se r v i c e  to  le v e l s  co n t e m p l a t e d  in  Re g i o n a l  an d   Be n d  Tr a n s i t  Ma s t e r  Pl a n s :  ne w  ro u t e s  an d  in c r e a s e d  fr e q u e n c y  in  Be n d ;   la t e r  ho u r s ;  ad d e d  Sa t u r d a y  an d  Su n d a y  se r v i c e ;  ad d i t i o n a l  Co m m u n i t y   Co n n e c t o r  sh u t t l e s   $9 , 1 5 1 , 4 8 7 $4 , 8 9 2 , 2 3 3   $0 . 2 4 / $ 1 , 0 0 0 0. 0 0 1 8 5 21 5 %  of  the  revenue   ge n e r a t e d  by  Corvallis    Sc e n a r i o  D  – Si g n i f i c a n t  se r v i c e  ex p a n s i o n  to  tr u e  “u r b a n  tr a n s i t ”  se r v i c e   le v e l s .    Ve r y  fr e q u e n t  bu s e s ;  fi x e d  ro u t e  in  Be n d ,  Re d m o n d ,  Ma d r a s ,  an d   Pr i n e v i l l e ;  ex p a n d e d  ho u r s .   $1 6 , 3 7 2 , 1 9 7 $1 1 , 7 8 3 , 0 7 6   $0 . 5 7 5 / $1 , 0 0 0   0. 0 0 4 4 4 52 0 %  of  the  revenue   ge n e r a t e d  by  Corvallis    Co m p a r i s o n  to  Ot h e r  Co m m u n i t y  Ra t e s     Ba s i n  Tr a n s i t   $0 . 4 8 2 2 / $1 , 0 0 0   Sa l e m ‐Ke i z e r   $0 . 7 6 / $ 1 , 0 0 0   Ho o d  Ri v e r   $0 . 0 7 2 3 / $1 , 0 0 0   Ro g u e  Va l l e y  Tr a n s i t  Di s t r i c t   $0 . 1 7 7 2 / $1 , 0 0 0   Li n c o l n  Co u n t y  Tr a n s i t   $0 . 0 9 7 4 / $1 0 0 0   La n e  Tr a n s i t  Di s t r i c t     0. 0 0 6 9 Tr i ‐Me t     0. 0 0 7 1 3 7 Ci t y  of  Ca n b y     0. 0 0 6 Ci t y  of  Co r v a l l i s     SF  homes: $2.75/mo.MF: $1.90/mo.  Bu s i n e s s e s :  variable   As s u m p t i o n s / N o t e s :    “L o c a l  fu n d i n g  re q u i r e d ”  in c l u d e s  ex i s t i n g  lo c a l  fu n d i n g  so u r c e s ,  in c l u d i n g  Ci t y / C o u n t y  ge n e r a l  fu n d ,  st a t e  ST F  do l l a r s  (a d m i n i s t e r e d  by   Co u n t i e s ) ,  an d  co n t r a c t  in c o m e ,  so m e  of  wh i c h  ma y  re m a i n  av a i l a b l e  to  CE T .       A  lo c a l  sa l e s  ta x  wa s  no t  an a l y z e d  in  th i s  ex e r c i s e  du e  to  lo w  po l i t i c a l  fe a s i b i l i t y   AP P E N D I X  D     DR A F T  CE T  Fu n d i n g  Co m m i t t e e  Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s   Pa g e  24  of  24    Fe d e r a l  fu n d i n g  is  as s u m e d  to  be  co n s t a n t .    To t a l  co s t  is  an  es t i m a t e  – mo r e  de t a i l e d  co s t s  wi l l  be  ge n e r a t e d  as  de s i r e d  se r v i c e  sc e n a r i o s  be c o m e  mo r e  re f i n e d .    Pr o p e r t y  ta x  an d  pa y r o l l  ta x  ca l c u l a t i o n s  ar e  on  a  co u n t y ‐wi d e  ba s i s ;  ut i l i t y  fe e s  ar e  ca l c u l a t e d  fo r  Be n d ,  Re d m o n d ,  Pr i n e v i l l e ,  Ma d r a s  city   li m i t s  on l y .    Cu r r e n t l y ,  Co n f e d e r a t e d  Tr i b e s  of  Wa r m  Sp r i n g s  pa y r o l l  is  in c l u d e d  in  th e  to t a l  pa y r o l l  fo r  Je f f e r s o n  Co u n t y .    Th i s  wi l l  ne e d  to  be  ba c k e d  out   to  ge n e r a t e  mo r e ‐ac c u r a t e  pa y r o l l  ta x  ra t e s .    Ut i l i t y  fe e  in c o m e  is  ex t r a p o l a t e d  fr o m  Co r v a l l i s  co m m u n i t y ‐wi d e  ge n e r a t e d  in c o m e  in  FY  20 1 2  ($ 1 , 0 3 7 , 4 1 0 ) .    Wh i l e  it  is  ea s y  to  es t i m a t e  fee   in c o m e  fr o m  ho u s i n g  ba s e d  on  th e  ra t e s ,  bu s i n e s s e s  pa y  a  va r i a b l e  ra t e ,  de p e n d i n g  on  tr i p  ge n e r a t i o n  es t i m a t e s  in  th e  In s t i t u t e  of  Tr a f f i c   En g i n e e r s  Tr i p  Ge n e r a t i o n  Ma n u a l .    Mo r e  de t a i l e d  an a l y s i s  is  re q u i r e d .    To t a l  lo c a l  fu n d i n g  in c l u d e s  mo d e s t  co s t  in c r e a s e s  ov e r  ti m e  pl u s  co n t i n g e n c i e s .    Ma j o r  in c r e a s e s  in  co s t s  su c h  as  ga s  an d  he a l t h  ca r e  are   cu r r e n t l y  no t  ac c o u n t e d  fo r .     Al l  of  th e  Sc e n a r i o s  wi l l  ha v e  a  Ye a r  On e  ca p i t a l  ex p a n s i o n  co s t  an d  an  as s o c i a t e d  lo c a l  ma t c h  am o u n t .    Th e s e  co s t s  ar e  no t  in c l u d e d  in  this   an a l y s i s .