The Ellis County Press: Regional Rail Initiative drawing opposition

Regional Rail Initiative drawing opposition
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Editor on 02/12/2009 11:58:00


Concern raised over county's packet
The Ellis County Press
ELLIS COUNTY - A political storm is brewing over the technicality aspect of the
Texas Rail Initiative and its legalities referenced in the media packet that was
sent out last week from County Judge Chad Adams office.
Besides the double taxing of residents who currently have Dallas Area Rapid
Transit, they could levy fees and taxes if approved by Ellis County registered
voters include but are not limited to,
• A vehicle registration fee, not to exceed $150 per vehicle a year
• A motor fuels exercise tax, not to exceed $0.10 a gallon
• A mileage fee, not to exceed $0.01 per vehicle mile driven
• A property tax, not to exceed $0.05 per $100 appraised value
• A driver's license fee, not to exceed $50
• New resident impact (vehicle registration), not to exceed $250 per year
"Ask yourself if you personally can afford or want to pay another $600 to $1,200
in taxes per year. This outrageous project must be stopped because people are
already overburdened by taxes and do not need more financial suffering in a time
that is financially distressing by many," said Midlothian resident Duff Hale.
The Texas Rail Initiative meeting will take place Monday, Feb. 16 from 12-2 p.m.
at the Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, off Intestate 35 and
Highway 287.