Starting the meeting were budget reports from the three transit agencies that receive some funding from Cook County or have board members appointed by Cook County Board. The audience did not have access to the actual budget numbers.
Terry Peterson, chair of the CTA Board stated there would be no fare increases and no service reductions for 2011 and that the budget was lower than in 2008. His concern was that the state of Illinois is late on payments to the CTA. The inspector general office of the CTA costs about $2 million per year, but is considered a good example for transportation oversight. In the future, the CTA and other transportation agencies would like to get away from fare cards and instead have customers use credit or debit cards.
Jim Dodge of the Metra Board presented a $1 billion balanced budget. They will need to move money from capital funds to operating funds this year. There was a concern that lower sales taxes and late funding from the state would impact the operations. There will be no fare increases in 2011 and there will be electric line improvements this year. Dodge stated the Metra Board is "resetting" after the scandals of administration payment irregularities. There is some concern over the type of inspector general office needed for Metra. Commissioner
Suffredin questioned Metra's plans regarding the replacement of 22 bridges and the ensuing disruption for North Shore riders. Dodge indicated the project will be re-planned to possibly cost less and cause less disruption.
PACE also indicated no fare increases or service reductions , but services cannot be expanded at this time. Ridership is down, probably due to higher unemployment. New buses will be hybrids and be smaller, since many buses are now half-empty. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is a large portion of the budget.
The RTA, which is the overriding agency of CTA, METRA, and PACE had concerns about the $300 million that the state of Illinois is behind in paying these agencies. All boards are having to dip into capital funds for operations. Commissioner Peraica expressed concern that the agencies have an alternate budget ready in case the state doesn't come through with the money. He also stated that employee pensions, salary, etc. will doom these transportation agencies.
During the Finance meeting, the revenue report for the last 10 months was presented by the Comptroller, Connie Kravitz. Revenues are currently ahead of budget projections by $4.7 million. However, by the end of the fiscal year it will come out even. Concern was shown about the reduction in sales tax rate, which began July 1st, and that the Health System is still behind in its collections. The county is also receiving more money due to increased foreclosures (fees) and late property tax payment penalties. The next (late) property tax bill will be mailed the week of Nov. 13th and will be due Dec. 15th.
The Board then went into executive session to discuss a lawsuit and this League member left. I missed the discussion on unemployment benefits for recently arrested staff member, Carla Oglesby.
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