SPRINGDALE -- Ozark Regional Transit reduced its expenditures and found revenue in December to offset a looming shortfall of roughly $74,000 pointed out in October, transit officials said during a board meeting Thursday.
The transit's revenue was up about $63,000 more than planned in December, documents show. The bus system received more money from grants, fares, charters, advertising and other income, said Jim McCullock, accounting general manager of finance and administration.
By the Numbers
Several Benton County cities have decided to fund Ozark Regional Transit. Their contributions will be matched by Benton County.
• Pea Ridge: $3,000
• Avoca: $1,000
• Little Flock: $1,000
• Centerton: $2,500
Source: Ozark Regional Transit
The bus service managed to reduce employee overtime in the last quarter, partially because fewer people were taking vacation days, said Joel Gardner, executive director. The turnover and overtime costs remain high, however, with expenditures of more than $25,000 above what was budgeted, according to transit documents.
Regional Transit loses about 1.7 employees per month over a 24-month period, Gardner said previously. People often get trained but leave for better paying jobs, Gardner said.
Despite challenges, the 2014 budget ended with $677 left over, McCullock said.
The budget balanced despite the growth the transportation system has undertaken in the past year, Gardner said. Transit started new and reconfigured routes this year, including new routes in Rogers and West Fork. The bus service also focused on making buses reliable and timely, Gardner said.
The new routes added costs, including training for employees and hiring employees. Employment has gone up about 50 percent at the bus service over a year ago, McCullock said.
"As we continue to grow and develop, our staff continues to grow and develop," Gardner said.
The bus service intends to continue to grow this year, and bus officials are looking for revenue to pay for operations, Gardner said.
Several Benton County cities recently stepped up to help pay for the transportation system, including Pea Ridge, Avoca, Little Flock and Centerton, Gardner said. Combined, the cities are prepared to pay the transit $7,500, transit documents show.
Other cities -- Garfield, Gravette and Lowell -- are considering funding, Gardner said.
Any money Benton County cities decide to pay will be matched by the county government up to $64,000. The county also guaranteed $15,000. The matching-funding option doesn't include Bella Vista, Bentonville, Siloam Springs or Rogers.
Gardner has been meeting with mayors and city councils for weeks to secure more money.
Last month, transit officials held a public meeting on transportation needs in Lowell. The city stopped offering public transportation through Ozark Regional about seven years ago but is reconsidering. The decision could be made as early as sometime next month, Gardner said.
NW News on 02/27/2015