IndyGo Board of Directors Meeting and 2027 Budget Introduction - July 16, 2026
IndyGo Board of Directors Meeting - July 16, 2026
The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) Board of Directors held its regular July meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 4:02 PM. The meeting included recognition of safe drivers and an employee of the month, approval of previous meeting minutes, introduction of the proposed FY2027 budget, a financial report, and a retirement celebration. A quorum was present.
Awards and Commendations
- Safe Drivers for June 2026: Several operators were recognized with National Safety Council patch pins and certificates. Byron Reed was highlighted for 16 years of safe driving and 27 total years of service to IndyGo.
- Employee of the Month for July 2026: Dantez Motley, a fixed-route coach operator, was recognized for outstanding customer service and his assistance in the mentorship and apprenticeship program.
- Retirement Recognition: Melvin Wright, an operator for nearly 18 years, was celebrated for his outstanding customer service and quick wit. A plaque will be presented later.
Consent Calendar
- Governance and Audit Committee Report: The report from the committee's July 9, 2026 meeting was entered into the record without objection.
- Approval of Board Meeting Minutes (June 18, 2026): The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote (moved, seconded, all ayes). Director Gardner was noted as present.
Discussion Items
- Introduction of the FY2027 Budget: CFO Justin Bergham and Budget Manager Andrea Carroce presented the proposed $374.5 million budget, a 13.4% decrease from the 2026 adopted budget. The budget comprises $164 million operating, $189.7 million capital, and $20.8 million debt service. Key elements include zero-based budgeting, a budgeted FTE count of 929.5 (net increase of 10), and a $3 million one-time contribution to the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works for West Washington Street. Operating revenue sources include local taxes, state/federal funds, and farebox collections ($6.4 million, up 8.5%). Capital projects focus on the Blue Line BRT, East Campus facility, and fleet replacement. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for July 30, 2026, at 4 PM, with adoption expected at the August 20, 2026 board meeting.
- Finance Report (June 2026): CFO Justin Bergham reported total revenue for June was $1.5 million over budget, with passenger service revenue $166,000 over budget. Personnel services were under budget by $632,000 (10%) for the month and 22% year-to-date. Materials and supplies were under budget by 7% for the month. Year-to-date expenses are $11.9 million under budget.
- Department Reports: Submitted and entered into the record without objection.
Key Outcomes
- The June 18, 2026 board meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
- The FY2027 budget was formally introduced; a public hearing will be held July 30, 2026, and adoption is set for August 20, 2026.
- The board expressed gratitude to the budget team for slowing budget growth and commended the zero-based budgeting approach.
- No public comments were made during the meeting.
Meeting Transcript
This meeting is being recorded. No. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Gree Han. And uh oh, I'm I'm oh, you weren't ready? Sorry. Jumping on exactly that was your exact one. Yeah. Oh, somebody was a queen queen. I think it's okay now. Okay. I think we're good now. You ready? Sorry. Oh, let you do that because I was so close. Thank you. Okay. Starting at my name's Greg Hahn. Um chairman of the board for the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation. And this is our board of directors meeting for July. And it's July sixteenth, twenty twenty-six. And it's now four oh two PM. So Bob, would you please uh call rule? Yes, uh the directors please indicate your attendance when I call your name, Director Smith. Yeah, Director Quick. President. Mr. Chair, we have a quorum. Thank you, sir. Um, next we're going to do awards and commendations, and our president and CEO, Jennifer Purz will present any awards and commendations we have for June. All right. Thank you, Tamika. Um, we're gonna start out with our June twenty twenty-six safe drivers. The folks on the screen here were recognized for their safe driving in the month of June and received a National Safety Council patch pin and certificate. I'll call attention to Byron Reed, the operator at the top of this list. He has had 16 years of safe driving as a coach operator on our fixed route service. 27 years of service in total to Indigo. So congratulations to Byron Reed. And then we have our employee of the month for July, Dantez Motley is a coach operator on our fixed route transportation. His nominator commended him for his outstanding customer service and great attitude and his assistance to the folks, the mentors uh in the mentorship and apprenticeship program. So thank you, Dantes, for your amazing service and congratulations on your award. Okay. That is all I have for right now. We're going to come back with one more special word at the end of the meeting. Okay. Thanks, Jennifer. Moving on to item uh three committee reports. Um we will enter into the record the uh governance and audit committee report for its meeting on July the 9th, 2026. Uh is there any objection? Comments.
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