ATLANTA (March 20, 2014) | Senator Brandon Beach (R- Alpharetta) led the passage of two influential bills through the Senate today. House Bill 264 and House Bill 265, both relating to MARTA, received a do-pass from the Senate body.
“These bills simply provide more efficiency for MARTA,” said Sen. Beach. “As we continue to move toward an efficient metro Atlanta transit system, the legislature must continue to implement initiatives that assist in the final goal of a worldwide recognized transit system.”
HB 264 increases the contract amount for which Board approval is required from $100,000 to $200,000. This will allow the bonds to be sold through negotiation without obtaining a waiver by participating local governments. The MARTA Act of 1965 prohibits MARTA from using more than 50 percent of the annual proceeds of its sale and use tax for operating costs; this bill suspends this restriction until June 30, 2019.
HB 265 staggers the initial terms of office for the MARTA Board of Directors. Specifically, MARTA Board members in office on May 31, 2014 will serve until December 31, 2014. Those Board members in office as of January 1, 2015, will serve initial terms of office as follows:
- One of the four appointees of DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, one of the three appointees of the Mayor and City Council of Atlanta, and one of the three appointees of the local governing body of Fulton County will serve a term of one year;
- One of the four appointees of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, one of the three appointees of the Mayor and City Council of Atlanta, and one of the three appointees of the local governing body of Fulton County will serve a term of two years;
- One of the four appointees of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and one of the three appointees of the Mayor and City Council of Atlanta will serve a term of three years;
- One of the four appointees of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and one of the three appointees of the local governing body of Fulton County will serve a term of four years.
Both bills will now travel to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028