Community Transit officials outline 2016 budget

EVERETT — Leaders at Community Transit say they’re offering modest service improvements in their 2016 budget.

The $115.8 million spending plan would pay to initiate a major upgrade of the agency’s wireless radio system. The agency next year plans to build a new park-and-ride on the west side of Paine Field. There also are plans to replace 18 buses and 45 vanpool vans, while adding 20 new vanpool vans and DART paratransit vehicles.

Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath said costs for Everett-Seattle commutes have increased amid worsening traffic congestion.

Anyone who wants to learn more or comment on the proposed budget can attend a hearing at 3 p.m. Nov. 5 in the agency’s Board of Directors meeting room, 7100 Hardeson Road, Everett.

CT also is asking voters to approve a 0.3 percent sales-tax increase on the Nov. 3 ballot. The measure would add 3 cents to a $10 purchase and generate an estimated $25 million per year in new revenue.