Selena Hester

The Budget Committee meeting focused on the presentation and detailed review of the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. Key discussion topics included the appointment of a Budget Committee Chair, an overview of the district's strategic priorities, and an analysis of financial projections including revenue, expenditures, and reserve balances. The committee discussed various budget categories, including administration, transportation operations, technology upgrades, personnel costs, and marketing efforts, resulting in the approval of an increase to the advertising budget. The committee ultimately moved to approve the amended budget and forward the recommendation to the Board of Directors for consideration.

The agenda included an update from the Oregon Department of Transportation, a financial and general manager report, and a review of the April financial statement. Discussion topics covered a compliance update, an informational passenger survey, the introduction of a Lo-No plan, the selection of a new logo, and a review of board ridership numbers.

The Board reviewed governance roles and responsibilities and held an executive session regarding personnel-related matters and exempt records. An update was provided on ODOT Public Transit Division restructuring and upcoming funding opportunities. The financial report indicated a positive equity balance and discussed grant status, while the General Manager provided updates on grant applications, capital project planning, and RLS compliance findings. The Board appointed new members to the Budget Committee and the STIF/STAC Committee. Additionally, the Board adopted a new Accident and Incident Response Policy and an updated Title VI LEP Policy, and authorized the General Manager to perform minor administrative updates to policies. The Board also reviewed a draft passenger survey aimed at gathering community feedback for future service planning.

The agenda for the meeting includes an executive session regarding real property negotiations, a presentation of an update from the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the review of financial and general manager reports, including grant applications and ridership statistics. Additional items include a compliance update and the consideration of a legal engagement letter for local government counsel.

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussion items involved Executive Session topics concerning legally exempt records and personnel matters. The Consent Agenda covered the minutes of the February 17, 2026, Regular Board Meeting and the February 2026 Preventative Maintenance Report. Further discussions included updates from ODOT and reports from the General Manager covering February 2026 financials. New Business items spanned discussions on the Budget Committee, STIF/STAC Committee, the Accident and Incident Response Policy and Procedures, the Title VI LEP Policy, the Vehicle Replacement Plan, and the Passenger Survey. Ridership numbers for February were also reviewed.