Transit authority approves budget, gives raises to employees
The Butler Transit Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the 2025-26 operational budget, including a raise for employees, all without raising fares at the Tuesday, April 22 meeting.
According to executive director John Paul, the budget saw an increase of about $340,000, from about $3.3 million to roughly $3.6 million. The biggest increase comes from salary and wages.
Tiffany Fosnaught, the authority’s finance manager, said the resulting budget was balanced despite that and did not require the authority to access reserve funds.
“Our biggest difference is the salary and wages because we’ve added additional staffing and along with that comes different benefits,” Fosnaught explained to the board.
Despite the budget increase, the board determined fares will not increase for the 2025-26 period. Last year, the board raised fares from $1.25 to $1.50 to adjust for inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The board also voted unanimously to approve a wage increase for all staff members, full- and part-time, effective June 1. The raise is expected to be 4 to 5%.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a project to repaint parking lines at Hollywood Drive for $990, a deep cleaning of the authority building at $4,910 and an air conditioning service machine for $3,980.
The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20.
