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SolTrans board authorizes interim $40,000 for Benicia LIFT program and directs staff to negotiate long-term terms
Summary
The Solano County Transit (SolTrans) board authorized staff to negotiate with the City of Benicia over use of locally claimed TDA funds for the Benicia LIFT program, approved a $40,000 interim allocation for the remainder of the fiscal year, and asked for guardrails and a formal agreement; the motion passed by roll call with Director Mashburn absent.
Solano County Transit's governing board voted to authorize its executive director and staff to negotiate with the City of Benicia over use of locally claimed Transportation Development Act (TDA) dollars to support Benicia's LIFT program and approved an interim $40,000 allocation for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Vice Chair Sorens moved the action, saying the board should "authorize the staff, executive director and staff to, negotiate with the city of Benicia to fund their lift program" and to send a letter outlining recommended guardrails; Director Hersey seconded the motion. The measure passed by roll call: Directors Hernandez, Young, Gordon, Chair Scott and Vice Chair Sorens voted yes; Director Mashburn was absent.
Why it matters: Benicia's LIFT program provides on-demand trips in a community that lacks local fixed-route service. SolTrans's legal counsel told the board that when SolTrans was formed the member cities transferred the legal right to claim TDA dollars to the Joint Powers Authority; consequently, if Benicia wants some of its previously allocated TDA funds returned for a local program it must request that SolTrans allow that use and the parties must negotiate terms.
City attorney Bernadette summarized the legal framework: "Benicia talks to SolTrans and says we would like to claim some of that TDA that we've already given to you, SolTrans. We would like to claim it for this particular purpose," and SolTrans can then decide whether to approve a carve-out and establish guardrails.
Board debate focused on process and budget: Mayor Young and other members pressed to see how the LIFT program had been budgeted at the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) and whether STA had committed funds without appropriate authorization. Several board members emphasized the need for clear guardrails so the program does not expand beyond budgeted limits.
What the board directed staff to do: (1) open negotiations with the City of Benicia (including legal consultations) to define program guardrails and a formal agreement; (2) draft and send a letter to Benicia's city council copied to STA explaining SolTrans's process for authorizing TDA use; and (3) commit an interim $40,000 from SolTrans TDA funds for the remainder of the fiscal year as a starting point while further arrangements are worked out.
Vote and next steps: The board approved the direction by majority roll call with Mashburn absent. Staff will negotiate terms with Benicia, work with the city attorney as authorized, and report back to the SolTrans board with a specific agreement and any additional budget requests. The Benicia city council will consider its own packet item on the matter at its next meeting; SolTrans staff recommended having a draft alternative resolution available to expedite Benicia's decision if needed.
Background: The transfer-of-assets and joint-powers agreements executed when SolTrans formed assigned the legal right to claim certain TDA funds to SolTrans. Members and staff said that historical decisions and separate STA actions created confusion about midyear funding requests; the board directed staff to clarify roles and coordination among SolTrans, STA and member cities.
The board did not approve an immediate permanent funding commitment beyond the interim $40,000; any further allocation would return to the board after negotiations and potential amendment of agreements.
