Politics

SMART Bus System May Lay Off Hundreds If Millage Fails

June 12, 2018, 8:00 AM

The message is clear: the SMART bus system could lay off up to 843 workers including bus drivers, mechanics, dispatchers and managers if its millage in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties is defeated in the Aug. 7 primary election.

SMART filed a WARN Act notice with the state's Workforce Development Agency on June 8, saying mass layoffs were possible if voters defeat the 1-mill property tax that funds the metro Detroit bus system, reports Chad Livengood of Crain's Detroit Business.

"This action will be necessitated in the event of the rejection by the voters of the SMART millage proposal on the August 7th ballot," SMART General Manager John Hertel wrote in a letter dated June 1. "At that time, SMART would also engage in the layoff of all personnel assigned to the affected counties."

SMART's four-year operating millage is up for renewal countywide in Macomb County, in 26 communities in Wayne County and 24 communities in Oakland County that have opted into the regional transit system, Crain's reports. 


Read more:  Crain's Detroit Business


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