In a recent meeting, the Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) addressed critical funding issues impacting senior transportation services provided by the Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA). The discussions centered around the allocation of additional funds for the fiscal year 2024-2025, following a significant budget cut of 24% to senior center transportation programs.

Deputy Director Janet Oratz outlined the complexities surrounding MTA's federal COVID relief funding, which has inadvertently displaced local funds under the Transportation Development Act (TDA). This situation has led to a potential recovery of approximately $23 million from MTA, prompting MCOG to explore feasible options for fund reallocation.

To mitigate the impact of the budget cuts on senior centers, MCOG proposed increasing the allocation for the senior transportation program from $518,407 to $600,000, effectively covering half of the anticipated shortfall. This adjustment aims to lessen the financial burden on senior centers, which are crucial for providing specialized transportation services to vulnerable populations.

The board members expressed cautious optimism about the proposal, acknowledging the financial strain it could place on MTA operations. However, MTA management indicated they could manage the increased allocation, which would be distributed proportionally among the senior centers.

Public comments highlighted the urgency of the funding issue, with representatives from senior centers emphasizing the potential layoffs and service reductions they faced due to the previous budget cuts. The proposed funding increase was met with appreciation from stakeholders, who recognized its importance in sustaining essential transportation services for seniors.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adopt the resolution for the increased funding allocation, marking a significant step towards stabilizing transportation services for the senior community in Mendocino County. MCOG plans to continue discussions on the broader implications of the federal funding recovery and its impact on local transportation needs in future meetings.