Leaders at the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority are planning to seek a renewal of the TCATA millage this year.

Speaking to the TCATA Board this week, Benton Harbor City Manager — and board member — Alex Little said the millage that supports Dial a Ride will expire in 2027. He’s aiming for November to put the renewal question to voters.

“In order to put ourselves in the best position, I think we ought to try and have a managed question on this coming November when the regular election occurs,” Little said. “For one thing, that saves us not having to pay a lot of money for an election of sales because there are other elections going on and ours is going with it. Secondarily, it gives us an opportunity, if for any reason it did not go through, that we would still have an opportunity to try again.”

Little said that way, another attempt could still be made before the millage expires.

All of this comes as municipal leaders from all over Berrien County have been discussing the possibility of forming a regional transit authority. The Michigan Department of Transportation has stated it will no longer provide funding to Dial a Ride come October unless progress has been made on finding its replacement due to rising costs.

County leaders remain quiet on what might be done to find a new transit solution, but talks are taking place.