Leander-Cap Metro Talks Chug Along In Averting Divorce

LEANDER, TX — A highly anticipated discussion on whether Leander would pull out of its agreement with the Austin's Capital Metro transit system last Thursday turned anti-climactic, when the item was pulled from the council agenda at the last minute.

In pulling the item, Mayor Troy Hill explained he's exploring possible ways to lower the amount the city pays to Cap Metro for the rail service — the northernmost point for the transit agency from its Austin base. Hill's hope is to cut Leander's 1 percent of the city's sales tax revenue to 0.25 percent, he explained.

A Cap Metro spokeswoman told the Austin American-Statesman the city paid the transit agency $5.13 million last year for bus and commuter rail service for passenger loads that amount to less than 500 riders a day.

Related story: Leander To Consider Dissolving Capital Metro Agreement

To some, Hill's move wasn't all that anti-climactic. He telegraphed his stance ahead of the meeting with a lengthy post on his Facebook account, pointing to a Forbes piece on the Austin transit system titled "Austin's Commuter Rail Is A Monument To Government Waste," leaving no room for subtlety or misinterpretation into his way of thinking on the matter.

"Since this has become such an issue maybe we should revisit a great article," Hill wrote. "I think this issue has brought out a lot of anger directed at Leander for considering exiting Cap Metro. I would like to explain my position to those that use the system."

While Hill is unhappy with the percentage Leander apportions Cap Metro as a partner city in the transit network, re-negotiating the terms might not be as easy as it may sound. Patch reached out to Cap Metro for a reaction, learning such pact alterations would require in a change of state law.

"Under current Texas state law, it is unconstitutional for us to reduce the sales tax for just one, or a few, but not all member cities," read the agency's prepared statement. "Capital Metro believes in regional mobility solutions and we are happy to discuss with Leander and other regional stakeholders how we can better facilitate partnerships that meet joint goals."

As a result, Hill's efforts to reduce cost could be derailed giving the demands of state law. As unhappy he is with the terms, he expressed similar ire at members of the public voicing concern over the rail line's future during the open meeting on Thursday. Like he did to telegraph his stance on Cap Metro, he also took to Facebook to air his disappointment with constituents expressing their views.

"Last night's council meeting saw moments where class and civility were absent," he wrote in the meeting's aftermath. "People feel because you chose to take a volunteer position that it grants them license to be rude, cast accusations about your character, or any stupid thought they have. Maybe I'm used to it, because I felt bad for new members Chris Czernek, Jason Shaw, and Kathryn Pantalion-Parker. Thanks to them for being the epitome of class and showing how its done."

He took a more conciliatory tone in thanking a Cap Metro official with whom he's been communicating about seeking a lowered price for transit service: "So just to wrap up, I want to thank Randy Clark from Cap Metro for his leadership in stepping up the service they provide. Sat[urday] service is something we have always needed. A connector service inside Leander will enable people to ride the train and then connect to various points in our city."

So for the time being, discussions between Leander and Cap Metro will continue to chug along.

Hill was elected mayor last year after a special runoff election against Vic Villarreal that was precipitated after a general election that also counted third-party candidate Adam Benefield on the ballot the previous May. Hill was sworn into office on July 5, 2018.

If you were unable to attend the council meeting on Thursday when this issue was discussed — which, exceeding six hours was enough to make anyone grumpy — you can watch a recording of the gathering by clicking here.