Hearings Due On Bus Cutbacks

Thu., Jan. 27, 2000

From Staff Reports

Spokane Transit Authority is holding two public hearings next week on proposed service cuts.

The first hearing takes place Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Champion’s Room of the Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon.

The second hearing is next Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the same place.

Forty percent of STA’s annual budget came from motor vehicle excise taxes, which disappeared when voters approved Initiative 695. The taxes were replaced with a flat $30 fee.

STA officials plan to cut 20 percent of their spending for the next four years, using money from a $38 million reserve to balance the budget. They’re considering cutting services and laying off up to 103 people.

If another funding source isn’t found by 2004, STA will make another 20 percent cut.

STA board members plan to vote on the proposal at a February meeting held after the hearings.

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