City leaders discuss future of MCTS, need for dedicated source of funding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City leaders met Thursday morning to talk about cuts to the Milwaukee County Transit System and potential revenue sources.

One source discussed was a sales tax.

Recently, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has talked about a county sales tax to increase revenue for the city and county, but it would need to be approved by voters.

Leaders at Thursday's meeting want to see a dedicated source of revenue to the transit system. This comes as MCTS is proposing cutting several routes. Alderman Robert Bauman said without a dedicated source of revenue, transit service will be in jeopardy.

"The transit system has been in a death spiral really since 2000, it's a constant challenge, diminishing revenue, diminishing service," the 4th District Alderman said. "Public service, public transit need a dedicated funding source so its funding is stable, predicated and can be relied on by policymakers."

In order for the sales tax referendum to be put on the ballot in April, it needs to first be approved by the State Legislature.