Ashlee D. McLaughlin

The Board reviewed the Managing Director's report, which included performance statistics, ridership data, and financial updates regarding operating revenue and expenses. Discussions were held on the upcoming draft budget. The Board approved the District's participation in an Urbana Enterprise Zone technical correction and the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software implementation contract. Additionally, the Board passed three resolutions related to grant applications for the purchase of eight diesel-electric hybrid buses, the construction of a maintenance annex in Urbana, and the potential construction of a bus transfer center in Urbana.

The board held a public hearing regarding the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and appropriation ordinance. Following the hearing, the managing director presented a statistical report on ridership and financial performance. The board took action to adopt the budget and appropriation ordinance for fiscal year 2027, and approved three separate ordinances for the annexation of territory, including one amendment to correct a clerical error in an ordinance. The board also adjourned into a closed session to discuss the potential purchase or lease of real property.

The Board reviewed ridership statistics for April 2026, noting a year-over-year increase and discussions regarding the impact of route changes to the Walmart location. The Director presented the draft budget for fiscal year 2027, detailing expenses for a new bus route, enterprise resource planning and asset management software implementations, as well as rising costs for insurance and fuel. The Board also discussed the budget structure and the transition to new cost-center accounting.

The Board discussed various financial and operational reports, including ridership statistics, revenue and expense comparisons, and labor cost adjustments. Several action items were addressed, including the repeal of prior annexation ordinances due to a change in the Open Meetings Act, setting public hearings for new annexations, renewing transportation agreements with local school districts, approving the annual agreement for paratransit services, and authorizing wayside sign replacements and an update to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.

The Board reviewed the Managing Director's statistics regarding ridership growth, operating revenue, and expenses. Assignments for Committee of the Whole chairs and vice-chairs were finalized. Action items included the approval of an ordinance annexing the Thompson-Hallbeck Tracts, the authorization of a 2026-2028 leasing services agreement, and the approval of a cooperative purchasing agreement and bus purchase order. Additionally, the Board discussed a project at 108 East Water Street, deciding to delay contracting for architectural and engineering services to allow for historic preservation input.