Hart Board of Directors Regular Meeting – June 3, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on June 1, 2026, but the provided meeting date specifies June 3, 2026. This summary reflects the proceedings as recorded in the transcript.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Board of Directors held a regular hybrid meeting. Key actions included approving the FY2027 proposed budget, authorizing a design contract for the fleet service facility, and receiving public comment on youth transit access and employee discipline policies. The board also discussed the impact of proposed state property tax changes on HART’s revenue and the future of the CEO’s employment agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the May 4, 2026 Board of Directors regular meeting.
• Approved the consent agenda items as recommended by the Joint Finance, Audit, and Operations & Safety Committee meeting of May 18, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dominique Cobb (business owner and advocate, East Tampa): Urged HART to deepen investment in youth transit, citing that low-income households spend roughly 30% of income on basic transportation. Specifically requested fully subsidized seasonal passes (noting that even a $2/day pass costs $32.50/month) and partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools to align routes with bell schedules. Stated that without action, youth economic mobility is stalled.
• Valerie Conyers (former HART employee, terminated on April 26): Stated her termination was based on a contradiction between HART policy and the ATU contract, and that she lacked required training (received only quantum training, not avoidance and collision). She asked the board to look into her case and make her whole by reinstating her job. Noted she is a single mother with six years, seven months of service.
• John Green (community member): Supported Ms. Conyers and criticized HART for operating with two conflicting disciplinary policies (performance code and ATU agreement), which creates confusion for employees. Alleged that video evidence in her case was not used consistent with the ATU contract (looking only at 15 minutes around the complaint time). Warned that the new ATU administration will maximize contract enforcement.
• Michael Burnett (co-worker of Ms. Conyers): Read from HART’s official grievance response, noting a discrepancy in hearing dates (grievance hearing held May 14, but response says May 5). Asserted timeline violations in the discipline process and urged the board to investigate.

Discussion Items

1. Resolution R2026-0623 – Program of Projects (POP) and FY2026 FTA Funding Shirley Shu Hurley (CFO) presented HART’s proposed Program of Projects for FY2026 federal formula funds. Key points:

• HART’s total formula allocation is approximately $25.4 million across 5307, 5337, and 5339 programs.
• HART’s share of the Tampa Bay urbanized area (UZA) allocation under 5307 is 40.4%, down 1.5% from FY2025 (41.9%) due to PSTA’s increased service (bus revenue vehicle miles) and population growth.
• Proposed expenditures: preventive maintenance, ADA paratransit, lease payments for vehicles, and various capital projects (IT, safety, facility improvements).
• Board members asked about the UZA formula (Director Wassel), the factors HART can influence (service miles), and the competitive position with PSTA. Discussion noted that ridership is not a factor in the formula – only service miles, population, and density.

2. Resolution R2026-0624 – Proposed FY2027 Budget Presented by CEO Drainville, CFO Hurley, and Heather Sobush (Planning Director). Highlights:

• Operating budget of $129.1 million, a 2.13% increase over FY2026 (below the CPI of 3.15% – a real decrease).
• Revenue assumptions: ad valorem tax (65.5% of operating revenue), federal grants, state funds, farebox revenue. Gross levy projected at $92.6 million, budgeted at 95% collection ($87.9 million).
• Personnel is 71.6% of expenses ($92.8 million for salaries, fringe, health care). Added 5.5 positions (6 paratransit operators, some eliminations), net to 827.25 authorized positions.
• Service improvements on three high-performing routes: Route 6 (20 to 15 min frequency, +100k riders), Route 12 (30 to 20 min frequency), Route 9 (60 to 30 min frequency), contingent on operator and bus availability.
• Capital budget $64.3 million (down 13.3% from FY26) for bus replacement, facility improvements, technology.
• Operating surplus of $5.2 million transferred to capital; reserves above 90-day operating requirement by $7.7 million.
• Board members noted the budget’s discipline (Director Knight: “very impressive”; Director Mars: asked about personnel cost benchmarking). Discussed that increasing service miles could boost HART’s share of federal formula funds, but PSTA’s aggressive service expansion still compresses HART’s share.
• Director Wassell criticized the incentive structure: “Just run more empty buses and we can outcompete the neighboring county. That's a terrible revelation.”
• Director McEndretta clarified that PSTA’s recent ridership loss was due to fare introduction on SunRunner, not core bus service decline.

3. Resolution R2026-0625 – Fleet Service Facility Design Contract Linda Crescentini (Capital Programs Director) presented the Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF) Phase 1 design contract.

• Business case: Funding for the HMF has grown from $10-13 million (2023) to ~$45 million. Phase 1 (stormwater remediation, service lane, fueling, service building) is fully funded.
• Design contract with WSP USA, Inc.: $4,442,635 plus $444,264 contingency (total not-to-exceed $4,886,899) for a three-year period. Scope includes four fuel lanes, three bus washes, emergency control center, security and efficiency improvements.
• Phase 2 (larger design) is pursuing a $10.4 million BUILD grant; HART responsible for $2.6 million local match.
• Board member Mars asked about subcontractor opportunities; staff confirmed WSP has small business subcontractors.
• Chair Schussler noted the project has been a long time coming (7.5 years on the board) and praised the progress.

4. CEO Report (Scott Drainville)

• FDOT grant for seven paratransit vehicles (Section 5310).
• Discretionary grant application for Route 12 frequency improvements.
• CAD/AVL system (“Bus in a Box”) rollout – operator training ongoing.
• Staff training: 8 paratransit operators graduated; 3 streetcar operators started (streetcar fully staffed).
• New bus shelter installed at Melbourne Blvd & 49th Street (Route 6, District 3); 15 shelters installed in District 3 year-to-date.
• Pressure washing completed at Marion Transit Center and University Area Transit Center.
• Safety and security engagement at events.

5. Chair’s Report – Legislative Update Jan McQueen and Mark Delagal (lobbyists) briefed the board on the Florida special session on property tax reform.

• Proposed constitutional amendment: increase homestead exemption to $250,000 (stepped: $150,000 in 2027, then $250,000) and cap non-homestead assessment increases from 10% to 5%. Revenue impact on Hillsborough County estimated at ~20% reduction; HART would see similar proportional cut.
• Schools and law enforcement may be held harmless (amendments expected). Special districts (like HART) are not limited by the proposed list of authorized expenditures for cities/counties.
• Director Revere suggested a robust discussion at next month’s meeting once concrete impacts are known.

6. CEO Employment Agreement Board Counsel Gibson outlined options: not extend, renegotiate, extend one year (to Sept 2023), or two years (to Sept 2025). Current term expires Sept 12, 2023 (note: likely a transcript error – date may be 2025 or 2026? As written, appears to be a discrepancy). Director Knight suggested referral to audit/finance committee; Director Wassell requested the CEO privately convey his expectations to board members. Chair Schussler indicated the matter will be brought back next month for discussion.

7. TECO Streetcar Naming Rights Counsel Gibson reported that the Tampa Historic Streetcar Board met last week. Bailey (THS board member) stated that TECO was open to receiving a proposal from THS, but the City of Tampa and THS board both decided not to pursue the conversation at this time, deferring until the streetcar expansion project. Director Wassell expressed frustration, calling it a “dereliction of duty,” and stated he would meet privately to explore other options.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution R2026-0623: Program of Projects for FY2026 FTA funding. Authorized CEO to apply and accept federal funds. (Motion by ?, second, unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R2026-0624: Proposed FY2027 operating and capital budgets. Authorized CEO to submit to Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, and Temple Terrace. (Motion by ?, second, unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R2026-0625: Awarded a three-year design contract to WSP USA, Inc. for the fleet service facility (Phase 1 HMF) – not-to-exceed $4,886,899. (Motion by ?, second, unanimous)
• CEO Employment Agreement: Discussion only; board decided to bring a formal motion to next month’s meeting after receiving input from the CEO.
• Legislative Update: Board will have a more detailed discussion on property tax impacts at the July meeting.
• Streetcar Naming Rights: No further action; Director Wassell will explore alternatives privately.