WEIRTON — Following months of negotiations, Weirton Transit Corp’s Board of Trustees, on Wednesday, opted to back away from a planned lease agreement for new office space after receiving a report the public transit provider’s finances are not as solid as members previously believed.

Phil Gilcrest, transit manager, explained closer reviews of WTC’s revenue flows in recent weeks, as well as communications from the state, have led to the decision to reverse course with the planned lease of space in the Lauttamus Communications building on Cove Hill Road.

“Right now, we feel it would not be a good time to sign,” Gilcrest said.

Part of the issue was the discovery the West Virginia Department of Transportation has no additional funding programmed for Weirton Transit beyond assistance with the purchase of two new buses, with the explanation the state is phasing out such programs in favor of road construction projects.

It was explained if Weirton Transit doesn’t have the expense of the lease, it was projected to break even in its budget for the current fiscal year, but could be looking at losses of around $100,000 for each of the next three years.

Mike Paprocki, executive director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, attended Wednesday’s meeting, explaining the board has spent its appropriations of CARES Act money, and will basically be relying on the funds it receives from the City of Weirton and other local entities when it comes to establishing matches for federal transit funds.

“What you need is significant local fund resources,” Paprocki said.

Paprocki explained BHJ is working on a proposal with the state for a financial planning program, and is in the process of speaking with Weirton municipal officials, including City Manager Mike Adams and city council, and eventually working with Gilcrest, to see what can be done to put WTC back on track, including reaching out to other local communities, and even businesses, for financial support.

Gilcrest noted he had spoken with Adams and Weirton Transit would be able to keep its offices in the Weirton Municipal Building, but there was still a concern over the storage of buses, with Gilcrest noting a recent incident where a bus had been broken into.

Gilcrest also reported he had been looking into some potential grants for WTC, but was told because of tax payment issues and ongoing negotiations with the IRS, the grants would not be available. Board members noted WTC has been making payments on what it owes, but has been unable to get a solid plan or guidance from the IRS.

“We’re making the payments voluntarily, but without a plan,” Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone, who also is a member of the board, said.

In other business, Gilcrest reported on ongoing discussions of possibly establishing a route to the Amazon distribution center near Imperial, Pa., explaining he has been told by state officials the service could not be a direct transportation as it would then be considered a charter service, which WTC cannot provide.

Board member Brian Maley recommended Gilcrest seek clarification on what abilities or limitations WTC would have in establishing such a route.

The board also heard from Jake Young, of Mobilize 360, on a possible website and mobile app development opportunity. The board, though, would later vote to see about developing a new website in house.