posted November 20, 2008
The CARTA board was overall pleased with the October financial numbers when they met for their monthly meeting Thursday morning.
Though many board members acknowledge that the agency is still on a tight budget, Steve Jett, board chairman, said, "Compared to the bullets we were sweating in May and June, we're actually to the positive."
CARTA Executive Director Tom Dugan reported that CARTA currently is paying $1.77 per gallon for fuel. As one of CARTA's biggest expenses, the drop in fuel rate has been a relief for the agency.
Mr. Dugan said CARTA just learned that CARTA's medical expenses for employees, another major expense, will not increase in 2009. The rate that CARTA currently pays will stay the same through the beginning of 2010.
Dr. Warren Mackey, a member of the board, expressed the concern that many board members feel about uncertain economic times. He reminded the board, "These people we're trying to serve, if we're not diligent, they're the ones that get hurt. We have to look at every single penny and make sure we're squeezing everything out of it."
Mr. Dugan reassured Mr. Mackey and the rest of the board that, although things are tight, CARTA is doing everything possible to remain within budget. He said, "We've never gone back to the city, to the county, to ask for a second helping."
Director of Technology Kirk Shore gave the board a brief presentation about CARTA's new bus route tracker that is due for a test run in the community by mid-December.
The tracker will include real time tracking devices that report online exactly what time buses will arrive at destinations. Some stops will also have display signs that show waiting customers a real time feed on when their bus is due to arrive.
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |