NTTA Approves Rainy Day Fund and Toll Rate Policy Changes in Unanimous Vote

The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) held a board meeting on August 20, 2025, focusing on key policy approvals and operational updates. The meeting commenced with a motion to approve item 11 C, which was successfully passed unanimously, indicating strong board support for the discussed initiative.

Following this, the board addressed item 12, which involved the approval of several important policies: the Rainy Day Fund, non-revenue passage, and toll rate setting policies. Chief Financial Officer Horatio Porter presented these modifications, emphasizing the significance of the Rainy Day Fund in managing emergencies, particularly highlighted by its role during the pandemic. The proposed policy changes included establishing a funding target of six months' worth of operating expenses for the Rainy Day Fund, explicitly identifying disaster relief vehicles for non-revenue passage, and requiring board approval for future toll rate adjustments. The board voted unanimously in favor of these policy modifications, reflecting a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.

The meeting then transitioned to briefing items, starting with the quarterly investment report for 2025, presented by Kelly McGuire. This report, which required no action, outlined the authority's investment activities and emphasized the importance of safety and liquidity in managing funds. The board confirmed that there was no exposure to derivatives or credit default obligations, ensuring a conservative investment strategy.

Next, the consolidated monthly performance reports were discussed. Porter provided a brief overview, noting an increase in vacancies within the organization, which had risen to 86. Despite this, he expressed confidence in the recruitment efforts, highlighting that the team had doubled its internal recruiters to address staffing needs.

The meeting concluded with the executive director's reports for May and June, followed by a transition into executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters. The board reconvened after the session, noting that no final actions or decisions were made during the closed discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the NTTA's proactive approach to policy management and operational oversight, setting a clear path for future developments and ensuring the authority's readiness to address both current and emerging challenges.