Staff outlines three‑year rolling guideway funding commitment; committee debates project earmarks

County staff briefed the committee on a proposal to commit a portion of the 0.3% optional sales tax to guideway projects on a three‑year rolling basis. The draft would include procedural safeguards — for example, 60 days’ notice to valley mayors before any future change in the allocation — while allowing the county to signal a multi‑year funding horizon to COG (Council of Governments).

"This funding will specifically be set aside to COG for its own projects and purposes," staff said, adding that the draft would preserve the council’s procedural ability to repeal or change commitments with notice. Committee members pressed whether the county should earmark commitments by specific project (to ensure regionally significant work is prioritized) rather than making a broad, undesignated three‑year pledge.

Members cited preliminary numbers: current funding was described as roughly $8,500,000 and committee discussion noted two major projects this cycle — Wolfpack and Bobcat — each roughly $4,000,000, which could consume most available funds if taken together. The group agreed to refine language and consider timing with upcoming COG rankings before finalizing a draft for a future packet.