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County traffic plan hits bump in city
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker opposes an increase in the gas tax and county control of signals to coordinate them.
By WILL VAN SANT and CARRIE WEIMAR
Published March 7, 2006
ST. PETERSBURG - If the Pinellas County Commission wants to increase the gas tax, they'll have to do it without the support of Mayor Rick Baker.
In a memo, the mayor's staff recommended the St. Petersburg City Council reject a proposal to join in a countywide transportation system funded by a one-penny increase in the gas tax.
Baker has said he does not support turning over control of the city's traffic signals to the county.
"It would be unwise for the city, which enjoys a traffic system which flows better than the rest of the county, to cede control of its system to others," the memo said.
When the Pinellas County Commission first considered the hike Dec. 20, the proposal was defeated after some members expressed worry over approving a Pinellas-wide tax without written support from cities like St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Negotiations began, and last Thursday the Clearwater City Council approved an interlocal agreement with the county. Under the agreement, Clearwater will give up control over traffic signals on major roads if the tax is approved and the new system funded.
County Administrator Steve Spratt said attempts to get a similar commitment from St. Petersburg have failed. But Spratt said he would still urge the board to vote in favor of the tax hike when it meets March 14.
The county does not need the city's permission to approve the tax.
"We are prepared to go forth and get under way with what we believe is one of the greatest priorities of our citizens," Spratt said, "an upgrade of the traffic system."
County leaders estimate the penny tax would cost the typical Pinellas driver an extra $6.50 a year. Over the next two decades, the levy would generate about $3.9-million annually. The county hopes to couple that revenue with state and federal grants.
The St. Petersburg City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposed tax in a workshop Thursday.
[Last modified March 7, 2006, 01:13:07]
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