Erik Hansen

The Southwest Transit Commission held a meeting to discuss various topics including a CEO search, approval of claims and financial statements, backup repository upgrades, network infrastructure security, disaster recovery site and main server infrastructure hard drive upgrades, generator monitoring systems, garage doors, and HVAC replacements. The commission also discussed new business related to the CEO finalist and provided legislative updates.

The Southwest Transit Commission adopted the amended budget for 2013 and the budget for 2014. The budget assumptions include revenue projections from the Minnesota Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) and Regional Allocated MVST (RAMVST), maintaining a General Fund balance of 35% to 40%. Ridership is projected to remain at the same level with increased revenue from new services. The 2014 budget includes increased operational costs due to expanded services, particularly to Target's Corporate Office in Brooklyn Park, and local service throughout the three communities. Vehicle and facility maintenance costs are also expected to increase. The budget includes a 2% base wage increase for employees, plus a potential merit bonus. Debt retirement for the SW Village Transit Station and energy savings improvements are also addressed.

The Southwest Transit Commission adopted the amended budget, focusing on the General Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and Debt Service Funds. Key assumptions included reliance on MVST and RAMVST revenues, maintaining a General Fund balance, and projecting ridership. Budgeted items covered operations, vehicle maintenance, facilities, and staffing. Capital projects included garage expansion and upgrades, ramp repairs, road replacement, and equipment upgrades. Debt service addressed SW Village and Energy Savings debt retirement.

The Southwest Transit budget for 2022 and 2023 includes key assumptions and summaries for the General Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and Agency Fund Balance Reserves. The General Fund revenue primarily consists of motor vehicle sales tax revenues and passenger fares, while expenditures cover transit administration, operations, and maintenance. The budget addresses staffing increases in Vehicle Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, and Operations, along with pay adjustments for recruitment and retention. Capital projects are financed through the Capital Improvement Fund, EPG Roof Replacement, and Development Funds, focusing on the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of SWT property and equipment.

The agenda includes items such as public comment, approval of the agenda, payment of claims, and a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, financial statements, designation of an official newspaper and depositories, employee manual updates, a CEO search contract award, a marketing plan, blanket purchase orders, ridership data, and agency goals for 2022. New business involves introducing a new CAO, appointing an At-Large Commissioner, providing a CEO search update, discussing bus purchases using FTA grant funds, rescheduling the SWT Awards Dinner, and a legislative update. The meeting will also include general updates and an adjournment.