Fulton County Transit Authority’s Veterans’ policy could see revisions

by Benita Fuzzell

In anticipation of potential changes in policy for the transportation of Veterans, Fulton County Transit Authority Executive Director Kenney Etherton updated FCTA board members last week about the status of available funding for the trips as well as suggested revisions in the program.

Etherton reported to board members Carol Parker, Sandy Bellew, David Moss, Lew Jetton, Garrett Hutchins and Jessie Webb Sept. 20 that currently the FCTA provides transportation to Veterans to facilities such as the V.A. in Marion, Memphis and Nashville.

He noted on Fridays, Veterans are provided with a half price discount for rides. Etherton said in the past month, over 6,200 miles were logged by the FCTA for Veterans’ trips, and it had become increasingly challenging to schedule the trips.

“In a recent meeting with representation from the Veterans’ Benefits group, we became aware that some Veterans are eligible and some are not, for transportation reimbursement, at 41.5 cents per mile. One possibility is that at some point, Veterans may pay up front for transportation, and then be reimbursed by the VA, that 41.5 cents per mile,” Etherton said.

“Many agencies right now across the state are losing money, up to $10,000-$15,000....we lose approximately $6-8,000 a month, in that range, on those trips, and it is getting harder to provide the staff we need to make those trips,” Etherton said.

Etherton told the board on the Half Price Veterans Day that offer was now extended to include family member of Veterans. He said that 741 transportations had been made exclusively for family members of Veterans, versus 350 trips for Veterans.

Citing a need to “tighten up” the policy, Etherton suggested effective Nov. 1, the half price discount would only apply to Veterans, and not the family members of Veterans, with the board unanimously approving the recommendation.

The board approved two transfers, $100,000 from Citizens Bank to Heritage Bank, and another transfer, authorized by Executive Committee members Mike Gunn and Garrett Hutchins, in the amount of $50,000 to cover expenses including payroll for FCTA, with Etherton reporting grant funding and Medicare payments are “now flowing” resulting in what should be a more positive cash flow.

With the arrival of two new vehicles for the fleet, Etherton requested and was approved for the payment in the amount of $83,075 from the revolving credit fund, in anticipation of reimbursement to the fund when grants in the amount of $70,000 are received, most likely to take up to two weeks.

Etherton reported prior to the draw $575 was the balance on the line of credit at Citizens Bank.

The board was updated on the execution of a lease by the Fulton County Fiscal Court for the County Office building, previously occupied by the Fulton County Hickman County Economic Development Partnership, Inc., adjacent to the FCTA facility. The payment will be $1 per year, with the FCTA responsible for utilities.

While the FCTA Driving Simulator has scheduled a number of appearances in the coming months, in November and the Public Transportation mini-conference in October, and reported a positive response from those who attended the recent Banana Festival, where the simulator was parked.

Etherton said it appears the vehicle is in need of eight tires, and an air conditioning system, both of which could result in a combined expense of up to $10,000.