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Board reviews draft budget, says pandemic carryover masks $10,681 shortfall without action
Summary
Staff told the Greater Waterbury Transit District board that revenues currently exceed expenses because the budget shows full‑year income while many expenses are not yet billed; the district would be short $10,681 without pandemic carryover funds and staff signaled the need to seek additional state support or other revenues.
District staff presented a draft FY budget and funding breakdown at the March 11 Greater Waterbury Transit District meeting, noting that current year‑to‑date figures show revenues exceeding expenses because revenues are presented as full‑year amounts while many costs have not yet been billed.
Joanna (staff) said the main funding sources are the state matching grant for Dial‑A‑Ride, federal Section 5310 funds and municipal matches for non‑ADA paratransit, and municipal dues. Staff said municipal dues are calculated from a base ($5,800) multiplied by a town’s percentage of district population (2020 census basis) and that, with Woodbury joining the district, most towns will see small decreases in dues while Woodbury’s dues will be added for the first time.
Staff reported that adding Woodbury increases the matching‑grant budget line from about $228,000 to $255,000 and that the Woodbury addition carries an estimated $27,215 in new matching‑grant costs. For the district’s operating budget, staff said a pandemic‑era carryover has helped subsidize Dial‑A‑Ride; without that carryover the district would face a shortfall of $10,681. Joanna said the draft numbers are estimates and that towns will be invoiced for non‑ADA matches—calculated by doubling ridership observed July–December 2025 and multiplying by $1.75—around July.
Staff identified key expense lines (management fees, liability insurance) and a modest $5,000 marketing line that historically covered printed materials and small promotions. The board discussed whether to seek an increase in state matching funds from Connecticut DOT or to identify other revenue sources; staff said a public hearing would be required before final adoption and that the board anticipates a June public hearing on the budget.
No formal budget action was taken at the meeting; board members accepted the presentation for review and staff will circulate full materials for follow‑up.
