VTA Audit & Finance Subcommittee
March 7, 2014
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Audit and Subcommittee met Friday, March 7, 2014 at 8:30 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were Connie Teixeira (Tisbury), Lou Paciello (Edgartown) Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA) The meeting was called to order at 8:41AM.
Draft FY15 Budget
Ms. Grant distributed financials with comparison figures back to FY11 with a projected budget total for FY15 of $5,208,000.00. An increase of almost $300,000.00
Is expected from fuel, purchased transportation and insurance costs including 3.5% expected in employee health insurance. Ms. Grant explained that TCI raises are set by the management contract and additional costs in purchased transportation are for added management hours and evening fixed route service hours for commuters on routes 1, 8 and 13. Mr. Paciello asked how this need was determined and if, after inception, performance will be monitored with the option to discontinue if ridership does not increase. Ms. Grant explained that the added service reflects constant growth in some areas and that ridership is now part of the performance measures for all RTAs. Each town’s share increase is limited by Proposition 2.5% other than for new service.
Beginning in FY16 State funding will be calculated using performance measures. The VTA has strong performance and outperforms many suburban RTAs. Ms. Teixeira motioned to recommend the FY15 budget figure of $5,208,000.00 to the full board. Mr. Paciello seconded. M/s/c.
Ms. Grant explained the Open Checkbook mandate of the Mass. Audit and Finance state office. Under a proposal put forward by A&F, the VTA would pay a share of $38,000.00 towards hiring a contractor to set up a website for access to the information for all RTAs. Following set up the VTAs annual fee will be $10,000.00. Collectively, the RTAs feel that this is way too much money and are working with Pioneer Valley RTA to meet the legislative mandate without spending an exorbitant amount of money. Ms. Grant did not include the A&F proposal in the VTA’s FY 15 operating budget.
C.O.L.A.
Ms. Grant recommended that a C.O.L.A. for VTA employees continue to be delayed due to funding.
The meeting adjourned at 9:32 AM.
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