SB 576

This bill authorizes the creation of the Chippewa Valley Regional Transit

Authority (RTA).

Under the bill, the Chippewa Valley RTA is created if the governing body of Eau

Claire County adopts a resolution authorizing the county to become a member of the

RTA and the resolution is ratified by the electors at a referendum held in the county.

Once the RTA is created, each municipality located in Eau Claire County is a member

of the RTA, and Chippewa County, by adoption and ratification of a resolution, may

opt to join the RTA. The jurisdictional area of the RTA is Eau Claire County and, if

Chippewa County joins the RTA, Chippewa County.

The RTA's authority is vested in its board of directors, and its bylaws govern its

management, operations, and administration. The RTA may 1) operate a

transportation system or provide for its operation by contracting with a public or

private organization; 2) impose, by its board of directors adopting a resolution, a

sales tax at a rate not exceeding 0.5 percent of the sales price if certain conditions

are satisfied; 3) acquire property by condemnation; and 4) issue tax-exempt revenue

bonds. The RTA has a duty to provide, or contract for the provision of, transit service

within the RTA's jurisdictional area. Rates and other charges received by the RTA

must be used only for the general expenses and capital expenditures of the RTA, to

pay interest, amortization, and retirement charges on the RTA's revenue bonds, and

for specific purposes of the RTA and may not be transferred to any political

subdivision.