The idea now goes to the county for consideration to be put on November's ballot.
COLUMBIA -- Wednesday, Columbia city officials say the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority is running out of money.
"There's just no where else to go for the cost," said Columbia City Councilman Daniel J. Rickenmann.
The bus system is currently funded by the city of Columbia and through a vehicle fee Richland County residents pay with their annual car taxes.
But that money is expected to run out in June of next year.
So now, city leaders are talking about new ways to keep the wheels in motion.
City officials say that a proposal, which would be a referendum, would be to put a penny sales tax on the existing tax structure.
The move would generate $50 million for the CMRTA and other road projects.
"We can ensure that we have a good bus system, that is efficient, that has quality vehicles that are upgraded and are environmentally friendly," said Rickenmann.
The idea of the one cent tax now moves forward to Richland County where leaders there will soon have a public hearing on the issue to decide if the proposal will be added to the ballot in November.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH