By: Diane Benjamin
Last month the Connect Transit Board had an Executive Session to discuss the performance of the General Manager. It wasn’t an in depth discussion, they just set the parameters used to give him more money. Judy Buchanan wanted to make sure the salaries of area managers were included, every board uses them to justify increases.
Whoever was filming forgot to turn off the live stream. I hoped they would forget again last night but they didn’t. That was when the salary increase was decided on. David Braun will be getting a raise because during last night’s meeting board members raved about being nationally known at conferences they attended.
You can watch the Executive Session below:
The September statistics compared to last September show fewer vehicles running routes, more service miles, and more service hours. Fixed route ridership had a tiny increase, the smaller vehicles showed higher use.
All of this amounted to a huge loss that just keeps growing: $1,277,506. See PDF page 7: https://www.connect-transit.com/file/1876/10%2024%202023_Board%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf
The loss for September of 2022 was $1,148,129: https://www.connect-transit.com/file/778/10%2025%202022_BoT%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf
Below is the new statistics presentation, keep in mind the number of riders isn’t accurate because changing buses counts as 2 riders:
If you want to watch last night’s meeting, click below. The Board wants to do a better job of promoting Connect Transit and deflecting negative comments. I have an idea – quit using taxpayer money to drive huge empty buses.
How do you find these jobs where your board gives you a raise for losing $1M plus per month? The entire operation should be shut down.
“New Illinois” lol Old Illinois
I’m surprised board members were allowed to attend a closed Executive Session virtually.
They discussed that at last night’s meeting. The code isn’t clear since it says they can in one place and can’t in another. That will likely be on a future agenda.