Wes Charley

This 3 Year Plan outlines a strategy to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability by right-sizing daily operations, increasing funding for infrastructure maintenance, and closing funding gaps on major projects. The plan addresses key strategic areas including revenue generation, service optimization, and spending reductions.

The board meeting included a safety presentation regarding emergency features in the meeting room and wildfire prevention strategies. The public forum featured community testimony regarding concerns about bus stop relocation and recognition of staff involved in the Safety Response Team. The board also received reports from the Committee on Accessible Transportation regarding their annual luncheon and accomplishments, and an update from the Metropolitan Policy Advisory Committee concerning the governor's Prosperity Roadmap and a retrospective on the 2040 growth concept.

The board meeting covered several critical organizational and operational topics. Key discussions included reports from various committees such as the Committee on Accessible Transportation, Metropolitan Policy Advisory Committee, and the Governor's Vision Committee. The General Manager provided updates on ridership, Monthly Operations Analysis, the successful Transit Maintenance Appreciation Day, safety and security reports, and the opening of the new East County Library. The board took action on several resolutions, including the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget which involves significant staffing reductions, a contract for the supply of gaseous hydrogen for the fuel-cell bus subfleet, the purchase of fifteen hydrogen fuel cell buses, and a contract modification for the Type 1 Traction Power Substation Replacement Project.

This document presents an update on a three-year Budget Balancing Scorecard aimed at achieving long-term fiscal sustainability. The plan outlines strategies for spending reductions, including targeted cuts and suspension of vacation payouts; service reductions, effective Fall 2026; and revenue generation, such as future fare increases and exploring new revenue streams. The overarching goal is to right-size operational needs, enhance funding for infrastructure, and close funding gaps on existing major projects.

The board meeting primarily focused on a public forum session where community members provided testimony regarding transit service cuts and the potential impact on public accessibility. Key discussion topics included the importance of maintaining current transit routes for residents and employees, the role of the Safety Response Team in community support, and the necessity of continued funding for organizations such as Ride Connection, which provides essential transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Speakers urged the board to explore alternative financial options, such as utilizing reserves, to avoid service reductions and maintain equal access for all riders.