Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District

The committee reviewed the final FY27 and FY28 budget, including funding sources, projected operating reserve cash balances, and the capital budget summary. There was a detailed discussion regarding the potential impacts of budget scenarios on ridership, route frequency, and productivity, as well as considerations for placing a sales tax measure on the November 2026 ballot.

The Board of Directors discussed various operational and administrative items, including the addition of a labor negotiation topic to the closed session agenda. The Board reviewed a report on real estate marketing and sales for District property and received an update on the status of the MetroBase project, noting that the bid received for construction was significantly over budget. Additionally, the Board engaged in discussions regarding labor negotiations with the United Transportation Union, specifically focusing on work rules, medical premiums, and benefit structures, and reviewed reports regarding paratransit operations and joint grant awards.

The board discussed several items, including the transition status of the ParaCruz service, recommendations for the MetroBase Project, and aesthetic treatment options for the maintenance building. The board authorized a contract renewal for the General Manager, reviewed a call stop audit report, and discussed the sale of surplus fareboxes. Additionally, the meeting included an executive session for conferences with legal counsel regarding worker's compensation, labor negotiations, and anticipated litigation, and a brief annual meeting of the Santa Cruz Civic Improvement Corporation.

The Board discussed various business items, including tort claims, financial reports, and check journal details. Key actions involved the approval of revised capital budgets, renewal of insurance and payroll service agreements, and authorization for procurement and construction contracts related to energy-efficient lighting, mural updates at the Watsonville Transit Center, and conceptual layout drawings for the downtown transit center. Additionally, the agenda featured legislative updates at both state and federal levels, employee recognition awards, and a public hearing regarding final operating and capital budgets.

The Board discussed various administrative and operational reports, including claims, budget status, ridership, and status updates on specific projects like MetroBase and Highway 17. The Board authorized a contract renewal for financial audit and tax preparation services and a five-year lease extension for a property in Soquel. Additionally, the Board considered modifications to the discount fare policy to consolidate information into a standard regulation format and adopted a resolution to apply for and execute agreements for federal funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for capital improvement projects. A closed session was held regarding existing litigation claims.