SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE NO. BL2014-666

An ordinance amending Chapter 5.32 of the Metropolitan Code to increase the amount of the annual vehicle regulatory license fee to provide a local dedicated funding source for mass transit for the purpose of regulating traffic control.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Metropolitan Government’s inherent police powers and the powers granted by Section 2.01 of the Metropolitan Charter, the Metropolitan Council has the authority to pass ordinances necessary for the health, convenience, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government requires operators of motor vehicles to pay a motor vehicle regulatory license fee for the purpose of paying the “costs of administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article, for the promotion of traffic safety and the installation of signs, signals, markings and other safety devices for regulating traffic on the streets, roads, alleys and thoroughfares of the metropolitan government”; and

WHEREAS, through the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the Metropolitan Government operates a public transportation system for the use and benefit of the citizens of and visitors to Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, public transportation in Nashville provides access to life-essential goods and services for citizens with disabilities, low income individuals, and older residents across the greater Nashville region; and

WHEREAS, an effective and efficient public transportation system reduces the number of vehicles on the roadway, which decreases commute times, reduces air pollution, and makes it safer for passenger and commercial vehicles to operate; and

WHEREAS, as a result of an increase in the number of motor vehicles traveling within the area of the Metropolitan Government on a daily basis, it is necessary that public transportation be enhanced to provide a viable alternative to passenger vehicle traffic, which would decrease the number of vehicles on the roadway, reduce air pollution, promote traffic safety, and enhance the Metropolitan Government’s ability to provide effective traffic regulation; and

WHEREAS, in order accomplish the aforementioned purposes, the Metropolitan Council desires to increase the motor vehicle regulatory fee in the manner provided herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. Chapter 5.32 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended as follows:

1. By amending Section 5.32.010 by deleting subsection F. and substituting with the following:
“Any revenues derived from the commercial vehicle regulatory license collected under this article shall be paid over daily to the metropolitan treasurer and shall be used to pay the costs of administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article, for the promotion of traffic safety on the streets, roads, alleys and thoroughfares of the metropolitan government, including, but not limited to the purchase and installation of signs, signals, markings and other safety devices for regulation of traffic on such streets, roads, alleys and thoroughfares, and for public mass transit.”
2. By amending Section 5.32.030 by deleting the amount "$66.00" and "66.00" respectively, and substituting in lieu thereof the amount "86.00" and "86.00".

3. By amending Section 5.32.110 by deleting the phrase "fifty-five dollars" and substituting in lieu thereof the phrase "seventy-five dollars".

4. By deleting the provisions of Section 5.32.170 and substituting with the following:

“Any revenues from the motor vehicle regulatory license collected under this article shall be paid over to the metropolitan treasurer and shall be used to pay the costs of administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article, for the promotion of traffic safety, for the installation of signs, signals, markings and other safety devices for regulating traffic on the streets, roads, alleys and thoroughfares of the metropolitan government, and for public mass transit.”

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Charlie Tygard