Delaware County voters rejected a transit sales tax levy on Nov. 3, leaving a proposed micro-transit expansion to Powell and Liberty Township without its planned funding.
The 0.2% sales and use tax failed by a wide margin, according to unofficial final results from the Delaware County Board of Elections, as reported by Delaware Source on Nov. 4. All 160 precincts reported, with 101,351 total votes cast on the measure.
Delaware County Transit Authority — Proposed Sales and Use Tax — 0.2% — Continuing
| Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
Against the Sales and Use Tax | 62,022 | 61.20% |
For the Sales and Use Tax | 39,329 | 38.80% |
Total | 101,351 | 100.0% |
Source: Unofficial final results, Delaware County Board of Elections. Results have not been certified.
Countywide, 118,305 ballots were cast, representing 69.5% of 170,143 registered voters, according to the Delaware Gazette.
The defeat means the Delaware County Regional Transit Authority (DCRTA) will not establish a new micro-transit zone in Powell and Liberty Township. The levy also would have expanded existing service in the city of Delaware and Orange Township, and funded vehicle purchases, facility improvements and a possible commuter route.
DCRTA Executive Director Andy Volenik had said the levy would have generated $10.5 million a year, enough to triple the agency's service within five years.
What happens now
Volenik told Delaware Source he is looking to refocus after the outcome.
"Certainly it's disappointing, but we absolutely respect the voters' decision," Volenik said. He thanked supporters of the levy and said the agency will continue to use the grants, contracts, fares and partnerships already in place.
The DCRTA board will decide what comes next. Volenik said he hopes the board will pursue sustainable funding options soon.
"The reality is we're going to do our service," he said.
Before the election, Volenik had warned that without the levy, the planned expansions could not happen and DCRTA would likely have to reduce staff and services within a year, according to Delaware Source's October coverage. His post-election statement did not address that warning directly.
What Powell and Liberty Township lose
The levy would have created a FLEX micro-transit zone covering Powell and Liberty Township. DCRTA does not run fixed bus routes. Riders in existing FLEX zones can use an app to order a ride that same-day service. Outside those zones, riders must call by noon on the preceding business day to schedule a trip.
Powell and Liberty Township do not have a FLEX zone. That will not change without new funding.
The tax would have cost shoppers 20 cents on a taxable $100 purchase, or about $1 on a $500 purchase. Groceries and prescription drugs were exempt.
DCRTA's ridership has grown. Since 2021, ridership increased 174%, and more than 200,000 trips were logged in 2025, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Volenik said the agency will review its options and have conversations with the board about the future.
