Committee moves technical appropriations to align Metro Mobility funding with forecasted amounts

Staff from Minnesota Management and Budget briefed the committee on a technical bill to align appropriation language with the statutory forecasting requirement for Metro Mobility service costs. The changes would update the enacted appropriation to reflect forecasted amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (an increase of roughly $8.9 million in FY2026 and $10.9 million in FY2027), amounts the presenter said were already included in the February budget forecast and thus do not change the projected overall budget bottom line.

The committee discussed the drivers of the forecast increases (net cost to maintain service levels, fleet condition and projected demand) and confirmed the funds are general fund dollars already reflected in the forecast. Committee members asked clarifying questions about the source of funds and the underlying forecast methodology; staff and Met Council representatives said statutory forecasting rules govern the amounts and that the bill simply enables legal authority to spend those forecasted dollars. The committee recommended the bill be referred to the Finance Committee.