City leaders in Dallas are working on solutions to address the ongoing pension crisis, with discussions including potential changes to public transportation funding. The possibility of diverting funds from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has sparked concerns among officials and community members.
DART serves approximately 220,000 daily riders, making any talk of reduced funding a significant issue. “Any cuts to service through the sales tax would be devastating to DART,” said Jeamy Molina, DART spokesperson.
Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, a member of the pension ad hoc committee, considers reallocating funds from DART’s one-penny sales tax revenue a viable option. “My job is to look at everything to resolve this pension crisis with our uniform officers, firefighters, and other employees,” Atkins stated.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price expressed his disapproval in a letter, emphasizing that redirecting DART funds would undermine public trust and negatively impact the community. “It’s a significant quality of life issue in the Southern Sector,” Price noted.
DART CEO Nadine Lee highlighted the financial impact, stating that receiving ¼ less in sales tax revenue would result in $6 billion less over 20 years.
City leaders continue to explore various solutions, including monetizing land and other assets, as the pension committee prepares for its next meeting.
