Charis Austin

The committee reviewed FY 26/27 budget formulation guidelines, including funding principles, pension contributions, and contracted service billing rates. Financial planning and analysis, including the February 2026 operating statement, were discussed with highlights on revenue and expense trends. The group also reviewed the budget development timeline and proposed contract service rates for linehaul and DASH services.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the approval of a property and casualty insurance brokerage contract with Acrisure and the adoption of budget formulation guidelines for the upcoming fiscal year. Informational items presented included ridership reports for paratransit and fixed-route services, an overview of the 2025 customer perception survey, summer service planning, and updates on operator recruitment and retention. Additionally, a status update on the childcare center project at the central station was provided, and committee reports from previous sessions were acknowledged.

The board meeting focused on several key items, including a contract authorization for ADA paratransit eligibility reviewer services with Disability Advocates of Kent County. The board discussed current financial realities and projections, including the impact of state funding, farebox revenue, and the need for a potential millage rate increase to address budget gaps. Additionally, the meeting included a review of community value survey results, a state legislative update, and various committee reports. Performance reports were provided for paratransit and fixed route ridership, and financial statements were presented for review.

The committee discussed ridership and metrics for paratransit and fixed route services, including operational financial impacts and summer service events. Updates were provided on employee recruitment and retention, maintenance room upgrades, and progress on the Early Childhood Center construction. The committee also reviewed fiscal year audit updates, reviewed ridership data and on-time performance for both January and February 2026, and discussed planned procurements for insurance brokerage services.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several action items requiring approval, including a contract with Tips Group, LLC for metal cladding renovations on Butterworth buildings 5 and 6, and the approval of the FY2026 Federal Transit Administration Grant Application, FY2027 MDOT Grant Application, and FY2027 Specialized Services Grant Application. Additionally, approval was sought for the purchase of thirty (30) bus stop shelters from Tolar Manufacturing, the annual submission for the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), and the FY24/25 Audit. Performance reports were also presented, including ridership data for November/December 2025 and financial statements for October/November 2025. The Board also reviewed reports from the Performance & Service Committee.