CCRPC committee recommends FY2023 UPWP and draft budget to board as shortfall narrows

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Joint Finance & Executive Committee on May 4 recommended the Draft FY2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and budget to the CCRPC Board for approval.

Executive Director Charlie Baker reviewed the draft documents and said the budgetary shortfall improved between iterations: “The draft budget on March 31, 2022, was at negative $55K and as of April 28, 2022, the draft budget is at negative $38K.” He attributed the improvement primarily to a proposed indirect cost rate change (now proposed at 76.5%, up from 76%) and a decrease in carry-forward dollars, which lowered the amount of match required.

Baker also described a proposed non-transportation equity work line to allow staff to charge equity-related tasks not tied directly to transportation projects to a direct task. Members discussed pending revenue items on the draft: some projects are likely to proceed but are not yet under contract, while others are competitive grants (for example, brownfields) and therefore uncertain until awards are announced. Baker noted the organization routinely uses a mid-year adjustment to refine the work program and budget as contract and grant realities evolve.

Committee members asked for clarification on assumptions and revenue categories. Forest Cohen said reduced carry-forward dollars were an important driver of the improved position. After discussion, Mike O’Brien moved and Jacki Murphy seconded that the Executive Committee recommend the draft FY2023 UPWP and budget to the Board; the motion carried unanimously.

Next steps: the Committee’s recommendation moves the draft UPWP and budget to the May Board meeting for action, where the transportation portion and related TIP amendment will also be considered.