Citrus Connection

The Board of Directors meeting agenda included several key actions. Financial reviews were presented for LAMTD, PCTS, and TD, which included interim financial statements for November 2025. Action items involved the approval of Resolutions 26-08, 26-09, and 26-10 for the FTA Section 5311 and Section 5310 grant applications. The Planning section addressed the results of the Community Value Survey. The CEO reported on agency updates, including the status of the Bartow Squeeze service termination and staffing levels, and provided informational summaries regarding the December Calendar and November 2025 Ridership.

The meeting included the presentation of the annual audit by the firm Malden and Jenkins, resulting in an unmodified audit report with no material misstatements. Discussions covered financial statements for the previous four months, noting that revenues were 142% over budget, driven primarily by ad valorem taxes, while farebox revenues lagged at 72%. Expense reports indicated favorable positions for salary/benefits and fuel costs. The board reviewed financials for the family agreement and the Transportation Improvement Program. Several resolutions were approved, including funding for the Travel Trainer Program grant to support an existing position and approval for the Federal Transit Administration State Corridor grant for the Florida Avenue project. Approval was also granted for a County rural program grant application and the disposal of five fixed-route buses past their useful life. A significant discussion centered on entering into an agreement with FlixBus, a European company, to use the Lakefields Park and Ride facility for passenger boarding and alighting, which included provisions for liability release and indemnification. There was also an update on the development of the Lakefields Park and Ride facility, including plans for permanent restroom facilities, and a discussion regarding the possibility of securing partnerships with Greyhound as well.

The board meeting addressed several key items requiring approval, including the budget for an intern program (recommending Option A at $10/hour for six interns), the realignment of Human Resources positions to hire two entry-level staff instead of a manager, and approval to continue 'The Squeeze' micro-transit service as an ongoing budgeted program. Financial reports for LAMTD, PCTS, and the TD Program as of March 31, 2022, were presented for informational purposes, showing favorable variances in the LAMTD report primarily due to ad valorem income. The board also reviewed the Contingency Fleet Plan and considered the amendment to the FTA American Rescue Plan Grant for preventative maintenance funds. Discussions during the parallel strategic planning retreat covered future funding models, addressing East Polk County service delivery and funding disparities (fair-shares), strategies to shift public perception of transit, and formalizing the internship pipeline.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board conducted board elections and reappointed the same five commissioners. An agreement for paratransit services was presented, projecting net savings over the next five years due to new equipment. The board also considered a new bank for banking services, expected to yield significant cost savings. A grant application was discussed for capital improvements at the Gal Fields Park and Ride lot, including the installation of permanent restrooms. A citizen's request for a bus stop was addressed, focusing on paratransit options. Additionally, a petition for annexation was reviewed, and a request was made for a new 12-passenger van to transport employees and for emergency use.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various financial statements, grant agreements, and project approvals. Financial reports for LAMTD, PCTS, and the Transportation Disadvantaged program were reviewed. The board approved grant agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation for projects including the Posner Park Park-and-Ride, State Road 37 Transit Corridor, and the 5311 Formula Grant for Rural Areas. An agreement with WSP USA for the Lakeland Intermodal Center was approved, and the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) for 2026 was also approved. Updates from the CEO, a review of the November calendar, and a ridership report were presented.