How is Missouri City involved in the METRO General Mobility Program (GMP)?
The City of Missouri City’s 2003 contract with METRO provides for a 50/50 split for the METRO sales tax funds generated within Missouri City’s borders. The City uses the ½ of METRO funds generated in Missouri City for general mobility projects that enhance the transportation and mobility of the general public.

What is the ballot language?
The METRO Board has authorized a for or against vote on the following language:

The continued dedication of up to 25% of METRO’s sales and use tax revenues for street improvements and related projects for the period October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2025 as authorized by law and with no increase in the current rate of METRO’s sales and use tax.

While the ballot language refers to the 25% level, the City of Missouri City’s new contract maintains the 50/50 split between METRO and the City of Missouri City for use of sales tax revenue for the period October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2025.

When is the referendum election scheduled?
The general election date for the referendum is Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Early voting on the issue begins on Monday, October 22.

Why is METRO holding this election?
The 2003 referendum provided for the continuation of the General Mobility Program, but called for its expiration on September 30, 2014. In order for the GMP to continue past this date, the voters in the METRO District are required to vote for the current referendum.

What does a “for” vote mean?
A vote “for” the proposition means the continued 25% allocation from METRO’s 1-cent sales tax revenue for member jurisdictions, which includes Missouri City, to pay for the construction and maintenance of the following services:

• Constructing or maintaining streets, roads, bridges, grade separations and traffic control signals.


• Installing or maintaining street lights, sidewalks, hiking or biking trails as well as drainage improvements related to transportation facilities.

What does a “for” vote mean for Missouri City?
For the City of Missouri City, a vote “for” the METRO referendum will continue the 50/50 funding arrangement through the General Mobility Program provided that the new contract under consideration by the City Council and METRO Board is approved.

What does an “against” vote mean?
A vote “against” the proposition means that the General Mobility Program will end in September 2014 and all sales tax revenues will remain with METRO.

What does an “against” vote mean for Missouri City?
If the “against” vote is approved by METRO voters, the current contract with METRO ends in September 2014 and all METRO funds generated in Missouri City will be kept by METRO and the General Mobility Program will end. As the City generates approximately $2.5 million annually from the METRO General Mobility Program, the City would be in the position of considering a property tax increase to maintain current street and traffic improvement programs or reduce the level of service.

Where does the other money paid by the METRO’s sales tax portion go to?
The other 75% of METRO’s sales tax revenue goes toward local and Park & Ride bus service, light rail, vanpool, HOV-lane operations, and METROLift.

How does the new City of Missouri City contract with METRO differ from the 2003 contract?
As one of the largest METRO cities (outside of Houston) Missouri City has a contract, to expire on September 30, 2014, to receive a 50/50 split of funds generated inside the city limits. The new contract as considered by the City Council and the METRO Board of Directors provides for the continuation of the 50/50 funding split as approved with the 2003 agreement. The following are the primary revisions to the new agreement:

• The new contract will take effect on October 1, 2014, and last until December 31, 2025.


• City consent and approval is now required before METRO undertakes the provision of mass transit services, the development of general mobility improvements or eligible transportation projects in the city limits.


• A report detailing activities funded under this agreement is now required only upon METRO’s request.


• Traffic management services have been added to the definition of eligible transportation projects.

How has the City of Missouri City used the General Mobility Program funds?
Missouri City has spent $15,730,346 over the past six fiscal years, including the approved FY 2013 budget, of the General Mobility Funds that are generated here in the community on transportation improvement projects. These projects are contributing to economic development in Missouri City at the business parks, improving streets and sidewalks in our existing, older neighborhoods, and providing leverage with state and local agencies on partnerships to build and improve roadways in Missouri City. The City has been able to use the General Mobility Programs funds to generate an additional $30,917,708 of improvements through partnerships with the Texas Department of Transportation, various municipal utility districts, Harris and Fort Bend Counties, and developers.