WEIRTON -- The Weirton Transit Corp. Board of Trustees continues to oversee operations of the public transit provider, while awaiting a final decision on whether the City of Weirton will take it over.
The board met Wednesday, with board President Flora Perrone reviewing recent developments, which included Weirton Council approving a resolution on July 19, conditionally agreeing to transition WTC into a municipal department, contingent upon "due diligence" being performed including findings from consultants supplied by the state Department of Transportation.
"The resolution from the city is that they have not fully absorbed Transit," explained Perrone, who also serves as a member of city council. "It's the beginning."
To date, two consultants, paid for by the state DOT, have been in Weirton reviewing Weirton Transit, with one focusing on the private, non-profit organization's finances, and the other looking at its route structure and operations.
Board Vice President Frank Bohach asked whether any decision on funding levels had been decided, but Mark Henne, a representative of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, noted it would be up to city council, based on the findings of the state consultants.
Perrone said her understanding is the consultants will provide both a more basic, or "Chevy" approach, and a more robust of "Cadillac" plan.
"He said we'll probably start with the Chevy and work our way up," Perrone said.
City Planning Director Mark Miller also explained there had been some changes in the procedures used for Weirton Transit to obtain its draw-downs from the Federal Transit Administration as a result of the board's financial issues, but noted $50,000 recently had been obtained and a request for $34,000 is under review.
At the same time, Miller stated it was found WTC could owe $11,000 back to the FTA because of what the federal agency said were incorrect claims of in-kind services.
"That also is under review," Miller said.
While there was some discussion as to whether the board should continue its regular monthly meetings, those in attendance agreed it would be necessary if, for no other reason, to keep an eye on WTC's financial status to ensure operations can continue until a final decision on the proposed transition is made.
"That's our number one job," board member Jim Carey said.
Henne also urged the board to make sure it follows all rules with whatever actions are taken.
The WTC board will next meet Sept. 13.