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South Central Regional Transit District adopts $3.25M operating budget, $9.2M capital plan for FY2026
Summary
The South Central Regional Transit District board approved its fiscal year 2026 budget, including $2.01 million for personnel, $3.25 million in total expenditures and a $9.23 million capital program, after a presentation from finance staff and questions from board members.
The South Central Regional Transit District on Thursday adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget, approving $3,246,648.84 in operating expenditures and a capital program of $9,228,092.33, the board said during a hybrid meeting in Doña Ana County.
Finance staff presented the plan before the board voted. Adam (finance director) told the board personnel costs total $2,010,851.50 and represent about 61.9% of the FY2026 expenditure budget. Adam said operating expenditures reflect an overall increase of about 7.86% compared with the prior year while projected revenue of $3,878,719.63 represents a 22.8% increase.
Board members and staff described priorities contained in the budget: expanding service, adding operators, keeping grants encumbered on schedule, and completing capital projects including facility improvements. Executive Director David Armijo said capital receipts and recent grants have allowed the district to buy vehicles and begin projects that five years ago would not have been possible.
During the presentation Adam walked the board through the revenue and expenditure lines, explaining that some one-time costs in the prior year—furnishings and IT for new facilities—reduced next year’s maintenance and supplies lines. He said insurance costs rose because discounts in the current year will not recur and adding vehicles means higher insurance premiums.
The capital plan includes federal, state and local match funds across multiple grant programs; Adam reported that the district expects to receive regional FTA funds for FY2024–25 that will arrive next year. The board discussed continued emphasis on encumbering state grant funds in the year of award and on sequencing larger projects across multiple years to avoid losing state money.
Councilor Flores moved to approve the FY2026 budget; Mayor Padilla seconded. A roll-call vote followed and the motion passed with all members voting in favor.
The budget adoption begins the district’s formal financial year planning process; staff said additional outreach and a 10-year planning update will be presented to the board in coming months.
