HomeMy WebLinkAboutNorth Central Regional Transit District - Public Financial ReportPOPULAR
ANNUAL
FINANCIAL
REPORT
Fiscal Year Ended: June 30, 2021
North Central Regional Transit District
Española, New Mexico
NCRTD Mission Statement:NCRTD Mission Statement:
“To provide safe, secure and effective
public transportation within North
Central New Mexico in order
to enhance the quality of life of
our citizens by providing mobility
options and economic opportunities
throughout the region.”
About NCRTD:
The North Central Regional Transit
District provides fare-free public transit
service to an area that encompasses
over 10,000 square miles of north
central New Mexico. The District’s
Board is comprised of elected officials
representing the counties of Taos, Los
Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe;
the Cities of Santa Fe and Española;
the Towns of Taos and Edgewood;
the Villages of Chama, Questa and
Taos Ski Valley; as well as Tribal
representatives from the Pueblos of
Pojoaque, Ohkay Owingeh, Nambé,
San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, and
Tesuque. It provides service to more
than 74 communities and sovereign
nations.
NCRTD Vision Statement:NCRTD Vision Statement:
“To be the leading rural public
transportation organization connecting
communities and enhancing cultural,
environmental, social and economic
opportunities for the betterment of our
region.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND DIRECTOR..............2-3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ACTION REPORT ...........4-5
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ..........................................6-7
CAPITAL PROJECTS MOVING FORWARD ...................8-9
SERVICE PLAN UPDATE ................................................10
REBRANDING .............................................................11
FLEET AND FACILITIES EXPANSION .........................12-13
RIDERSHIP ..................................................................14
FARE FREE ...................................................................14
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 1
In our ongoing effort to inform the North Central Regional
Transit District (District) constituents about the state of our
finances and accomplishments, we are pleased to present the
2021 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR).
This report is reflective of our commitment to preserving
the District’s long term financial health and is intended to
summarize the financial activities of the District’s funds that
are reported in more detail in the Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report (ACFR). The PAFR also contains information
about the district and its accomplishments. A copy of the
ACFR is available on ncrtd.org at: about us/reports/annual
comprehensive financial report
We’re proud to announce that the District received the
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual
budget for the fiscal year 2021 beginning July 1, 2020,
the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Annual
Comprehensive Financial Reporting for its report for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2020, and the Popular Annual Financial
Reporting Award for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020,
from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
These awards acknowledge that the District’s financial
reporting and management activities are recognized as best
practices in New Mexico, and the nation.
Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020, thru June 30, 2021) represented a continuation of the challenges presented by the
pandemic and the rollout of vaccines with an eye towards a post pandemic environment. Maintaining our response
to this challenge, our employees have performed admirably during the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to provide
essential transportation services to the four-county region and especially for those most dependent on transit to get to
work, to medical care and access to food and life’s daily necessities. Our front-line operators, maintenance workers,
safety and security personnel, and support staff have endured these difficult times and inspired our organization.
Preventative measures continue to be utilized to manage the spread of COVID-19 by following established
guidelines and implementing best practices. With over 67 communities and 289,292 citizens to serve, the critical role
of public transit was evident.
The District, with the Board’s guidance, underpinned the fact that the District is resilient, both financially and
operationally. Congress continued funding public transit systems with increased monetary resources to help navigate
the economic impacts of the pandemic and provide critical essential service. As such, we remain a dynamic, durable
entity that serves the public now and into the future.
Message from the Chair
Daniel Barrone
Chairman and Mayor of Taos
2 | NCRTD PAFR 2021
In spite of the challenges the District kept its focus on its
long-term financial and strategic approach in managing
its resources and implementing its capital investment
program and planning for the future which included
the following:
• Commenced the construction of a $10,902,064 five
(5) bay Maintenance Facility in Espanola.
• Began the design of the new $8 million Operations
and Maintenance Facility in Taos located at the
intersection of Salazar and Este Es Road.
• Initiated the design for the expansion of the Jim West
Regional Transit Center in Espanola.
• Acquired and started implementation of an
Asset Management System for fleet and facilities
maintenance and management.
• Completed the Radio and Tower Infrastructure Study
and launched the acquisition of replacement radios
and expansion of towers.
• Secured $5 million in federal funding to purchase
five (5) electric buses and vehicles, and associated
charging infrastructure to be placed in Taos.
The aforementioned items are a sampling of the accomplishments contained within this report. As you read this
report and note the accomplishments and services enumerated herein, the delivery of which are carried out daily
by many caring team members whose skills and commitment make the District the exceptional transit agency it
is today.
We look forward to the upcoming year as we usher in a new era of health and economic recovery in a post
pandemic environment and the expectations for a brighter tomorrow.
Cordially,
Daniel Barrone, Chairman and Mayor of Taos Anthony J. Mortillaro, Executive Director
and Executive Director
Anthony J. Mortillaro
Executive Director
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Daniel R. Barrone
- Mayor -
Town of Taos
Alternate
Miranda Quintana
Grants Administrator
Secretary/Treasurer
Scott Flury
- Councilor -
Village of Chama
Alternate
Matthew Gallegos
Chama Village Councilor
Vice Chair
D.Tim Salazar
-Mayor Pro Tem -
City of Española
Alternate
Councilor
Justin Salazar-Torres
Natural Resources
Director
Stephen
Martinez
Pueblo de
San IldefonsoAlternateLillian GarciaTransportation Planning Director
Tribal SheriffJoseph Gutierrez
Santa Clara Pueblo
Alternate
Mary Lou ValerioTransportation Planner
CommissionerChristine Bustos
Rio Arriba CountyAlternateTToommááss CCaammppoossCCounty Manager
Former GovernorCharles Dorame
Pueblo of Tesuque AlternateTTBBDD
MayorChristof Brownell
Village of Taos Ski
Valley
AlternateJalmar BowdenBuilding Inspector
Councilor
Jamie Cassutt
CCiittyy ooff SSaannttaa FFee
Alternate
Eric AuneMPO Officer
CommissionerJim Fambro
Taos County
Alternate
Lupe EE.. MartinezDeputyCCoouunnttyy MMaannaaggeerr
AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn
Councilor
Charlie I.
Gonzales
Village of Questa
Alternate
Brent Jaramillo
Councilor
TBD
Pueblo of
PojoaqueAlternateJeff MontoyaAssistant to Special Projects
Transportation
Public Works
Director
Ben Lujan
Ohkay Owingeh
Pueblo
Alternate
Christy Ladd
Planning Manager
TBD
Nambe PuebloAlternate
Marcus Lopez
Roads and
Transportation
Manager and GIS
Technician
Councilor
Linda Holle
Town of
EdgewoodAlternate Juan TorresClerk Administrator
CouncilorSean
Williams
Los Alamos
County
Alternate
Jon Bulthuis
Deputy Public
Works Director
Commissioner
HHaannkk HHuugghheess
Santa Fe County
Alternate
Anna Hansen
Commissioner
Ex-Officio Member: Terry Doyle | Rio Metro RTD – Alternate Elizabeth Carter
Not missing a beat this year, the NCRTD Board of Directors continued to meet each month
virtually. They worked tirelessly and maintained an active agenda tackling a wide range
of items to make the NCRTD run smooth and efficient, and ensure that residents within the
District were being well represented.
The Finance Subcommittee continued to meet on a monthly basis and the Tribal
Subcommittee, meet on a quarterly basis, to review matters and make recommendations
to the Board.
This past year the Board was pleased to welcome two new members: Los Alamos
Councilor Sean Williams replaced Councilor Antonio Maggiore; and Rio Arriba County
Commissioner Christine Bustos replaced Leo Jaramillo who successfully ran for the New
Mexico State Senate.
This year, 34 Resolutions were adopted by the Board, among them:
• A resolution amending and strengthening the District’s procurement policy
• Adopting a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plan and Goals
• Adopting the NCRTD Title VI Program implementing a system to prevent discrimination
on the basis of race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs and
activities
• Authorizing a Los Alamos National Laboratory Transit Service Options analysis
• Adoption of the NCRTD Service Plan Update and Transit Service Plan Implementation
• Authorizing and directing the District to seek Low or No Emissions grant program
funding
• Adopting the Fiscal Year 2022 final budget
DESPITE PANDEMIC,
NCRTD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OVERSEE ACTIVE YEAR IN FY 2021
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 5
FISCAL YEAR 2021 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This Annual Report contains summarized financial information taken in part from the North Central Regional
Transit District’s (NCRTD’s), Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which is published
separately.
This Popular Annual Financial Report is a summary created for general readership to inform those without financial
and/or accounting background and as such it does not contain all the information available in the District’s ACFR.
Users desiring additional or more comprehensive information such as financial information presented in accrual
method, by classification, Management’s Discussion Analysis and/or Audited Financial statements please refer to the
ACFR.
The 2021 ACFR is available at District’s headquarters building in Española and/or on ncrtd.org at: about us/
reports/annual comprehensive financial report. The Financial records and statements are fairly and accurately
presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Budget:
On June 30, 2020, the District adopted a balanced operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021 of $20,693,952 million.
Revenues received during the 2021 Fiscal Year were $16,097,231 vs. $9,595,649* of expenses incurred. This
means that the District received $6,501,582 more than it spent.
Revenues:
For Fiscal Year 2021 the District received revenues in the amount of $16,097,231. The revenues were received
from the following sources: Federal and State grants (42.70%), Transit Gross Receipt Taxes, (GRT) (56.58%),
miscellaneous sources (.56%), and Charges for Services (.16%). The increase in revenue during FY2021 is related to
CARES funding that reimbursed at 100% instead of the normal 80/20 for Administrative and 50/50 for Operating
expenses along with increase GRT.
* The NCRTD’s ACFR is presented under the accrual basis of accounting method in which revenues are recognized
when earned and measurable and expenses are recognized when incurred.
FY2021 Expenses:
$9,595,649 million
FY2021 Revenues:
$16,097,231
Transit Gross Receipt
Taxes were 57% of
2021 Revenues
NCRTD REVENUES 2021, 2020 & 2019
FY 2020 REVENUESFY 2021 REVENUES
TOTAL: $14,425,275 TOTAL: $16,097,231 TOTAL: $12,370,528
FY 2019 REVENUES
6 | NCRTD PAFR 2021
FY2021 GRT Contributions to
other Transit Agencies (20%)
FY2021 Personnel services
salaries (43%)
NCRTD EXPENSES 2021, 2020 & 2019
Expenses:
Expenses incurred during Fiscal Year 2021 totaled $9,595,649 consisting of the following: Personnel services
(43.37%), GRT Contributions to other Transit Agencies (19.85%), Capital outlay (20.27%), and Other Operating
Expenses (16.52%).**
The largest expenditure category is Personnel services closely followed by Capital and GRT contributions made to
other Transit agencies that provide services within the District’s service area such as: the New Mexico Rail Runner,
Santa Fe Trails and Atomic City Transit in Los Alamos County. The decrease in expenses is a result of decreases in
salaries, benefits, and contributions to other transit agencies.
Overall:
For the fiscal year 2021 ending June 30, 2021, AXIOM, CPAs and Business Advisors, the District’s external auditors,
expressed an unmodified opinion which is the best opinion that can be received (often referred to as a ‘clean’ audit).
The NCRTD Finance department oversees and handles all financial aspects of the District that is inclusive of Accounts
Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll and maintaining the General Ledger. The Finance Department is also
responsible for all the aspects of the District’s financial obligations and reporting in relation to grants compliance and
procurements.
A high standard of excellence, fiscal responsibility and values drives the District’s Finance Department the goal of
the department is to provide outstanding levels of support and timely and cost-effective service and products while
conforming to the highest level of Ethical standards.
** The ACFR includes depreciation, but does not include actual capital expenditures for the year. In addition the
ACFR recognizes the contributions to other Transit Agencies as contra revenue rather than expense as the PAFR does.
FY 2020 EXPENSESFY 2021 EXPENSES
TOTAL: $14,313,816 TOTAL: $9,595,649 TOTAL: $12,130,171
FY 2019 EXPENSES
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 7
After an April, 2021 groundbreaking, construction on the new
maintenance facility, wash bay and fueling station is well underway.
The new 18,000 square foot facility is located on seven acres behind
the Jim West Regional Transit Center which serves as the District
headquarters on Riverside Drive in Española. The project is expected
to fulfill current vehicle maintenance and upkeep needs as well as be
capable of accommodating future operations and fleet expansion.
The new facility opens a new chapter in a history of progress and
in providing mobility for the people of northern New Mexico. Key
partners on the project are the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, New Mexico State
Legislators and the New Mexico Department of Transportation Transit and Rail Division. Their vision has made this
project a reality.
SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOVING FORWARD
ESPAÑOLA MAINTENANCE FACILITY, WASH BAY AND FUELING STATION
8 | NCRTD PAFR 2021
The Taos Operations and Maintenance facility continues
to move forward. Financing is now in place. The project
will provide a secured facility that will house a series
of maintenance bays, a fueling island, office space for
administration/operations, bus parking, and employee
and visitor parking.
Located on a six-acre site in the Town of Taos at Este Es
and Salazar Roads, the project is expected to break ground
in spring of 2022.
The District is moving forward with plans to expand its
12,500 square foot administrative facility known as the Jim
West Regional Transit Center.
The current facility was remodeled and completed in 2012,
and 2,475 square feet of the facility was not remodeled
and has been used for storage and light maintenance.
Due to nine years of growth and staffing increases in both
administrative and operational services, the existing facility
has reached its capacity.
With the construction of the new Maintenance Facility directly behind the Headquarters facility, the District will no
longer need this space in its current form and this portion of the building will now be able to accommodate the future
expansion for administrative and operational needs.
TAOS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY
JIM WEST REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER EXPANSION
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 9
An extensive NCRTD Transit Service Plan Update was adopted by the Board and has begun to be implemented. The
Service Plan Update will now guide NCRTD service development for the next seven years.
KFH Group, one of the nation’s leading transit industry consultancies conducted the Service Plan Update. During the
process, field surveys of each route were conducted, including riding each route. They also conducted Community
and Stakeholder outreach which resulted in 29 public meetings to obtain constituent input as well as two focus
groups. An extensive series of Technical Memoranda were drawn up and delivered and included:
• Technical Memorandum No. 1: Review of Demographics, Land Uses and Travel Patterns
• Technical Memorandum No 2: Community Outreach
• Technical Memorandum No 3: Review of Existing Services
• Technical Memorandum No 4: Need and Strategies for the Future
• NCRTD Transit Service Plan Update
The recommended service plan update calls for new routes and services as well as enhancements to make the system
operate as smoothly as possible and with the greatest benefit to riders. The research, outreach, analysis and planning
presented in the four technical memoranda culminate in the final report titled “NCRTD Transit Service Plan Update”.
To view the Transit Service Plan Update, go to the About Us/Reports/2020 Service Plan Update section at www.
ncrtd.org.
The District continues to work with NMDOT and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) on a transit needs and
options analysis and implementation as the Lab anticipates a significant increase in staffing over the coming years.
The study was initiated by LANL and NCRTD, in collaboration with NMDOT. Together they retained Nelson/
Nygaard to conduct a LANL Transit Service Options Analysis that included an analysis of Existing Transit Service
Options as well as a Mobility Options Analysis. The study was presented to the NCRTD Board in November 2021
and an implementation plan is currently being drawn up based on those findings and input from the NCRTD Board.
Currently 60% (~6,000) of LANL employees commute from outside of Los Alamos County. The LANL Transit Service
Options Analysis is designed to identify changes to existing services and identify new services and programs to
increase the number of employees who use public transit alternatives to driving alone to commute to the Laboratory.
UPDATING THE NCRTD SERVICE PLAN
EXTENSIVE TRANSIT SERVICE PLAN UPDATE BEGINS
NCRTD COLLABORATING WITH
LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LAB AND
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION ASSESSING AND
IMPLEMENTING A TRANSIT SERVICE
OPTIONS NEEDS ANALYSIS
10 | NCRTD PAFR 2021
Studio Six Branding out of Longmont, Colorado has
been awarded the project for a logo refresh and
rebranding that will be rolled out in calendar 2022.
While the Blue Bus isn’t going anywhere, a program
seeking to strengthen the buses’ brand identity,
including new naming concepts, development or
refresh of logo(s), symbols and or designs, and
development of branding marketing strategies for
transit services including vehicles, signage and
schedules is well underway.
A series of Discovery sessions were held with the
Board in May, area stakeholders in July, and Tribal
members and the Tribal subcommittee in August to
assess perceptions of the RTD and local customs and
cultures that could be incorporated into a series of
final design considerations.
Studio Six is a highly specialized transit branding
agency that develops brands to elevate the
perception and experience of public transportation.
District Moves Forward with Logo District Moves Forward with Logo
Refresh, Rebranding Refresh, Rebranding
and Marketing Strategies and Marketing Strategies
Program with Studio Six BrandingProgram with Studio Six Branding
Above are examples of buses that Above are examples of buses that
received the Studio Six makeover.received the Studio Six makeover.
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 11
The NCRTD will receive $5 million from US Department of Transportation
(USDOT)/Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of its low or no
emissions grants program to improve service and air quality.
The money will go towards the purchase of five electric buses and
charging infrastructure that will be placed in the Taos area. It will also
provide for support charging equipment and workforce training to
maintain the vehicles.
This follows an earlier $2.9 million FTA grant the NCRTD received for the purchase of five electric buses, charging
infrastructure and workforce training targeted for the Española area.
The electric buses will be placed in and around the Town of Taos and City of Española because of the limited driving
range of the vehicles. Future plans call for expanding the purchase of charging stations that can be placed along
longer routes.
To assist in program development and rollout, the NCRTD has entered into
a professional Services Contract with The Center for Transportation and
Environment (CTE) for developing an implementation strategy and project
management on both the Española and Taos battery electric rollout. Multiple
cost savings will now be achieved by working with CTE in both locations, and
by increasing efficiencies and eliminating redundancies.
CTE has managed and consulted on a range of zero-emission bus projects
over the last decade, from new bus development and demonstration projects to
full fleet deployment projects. CTE leads the industry in both zero-emission bus
deployment projects as well as developing zero-emission bus transition plans.
Through the FTA’s Low-No Grant Funding awards, the District is moving forward
with the purchase of six 35’ Battery Electric Buses and four electric cutaway
buses and associated charging infrastructure improvements for the deployment
of Electric Transit Buses in Española and Taos.
FLEET MARKED BY CURRENT AND
FUTURE EXPANSION
ELECTRIC BUS CONVERSION PROJECT
EXPANDS TO TAOS
12 | NCRTD PAFR 2021
To keep the fleet moving and operating as efficiently
as possible and prepared to move into the future, the
NCRTD will purchase 19 new vehicles in calendar 2022.
As a result of the District’s expansion into electric
vehicles, six 35’ Battery Electric Buses and four electric
cutaway buses will be purchased and placed on routes
in areas surrounding the City of Española and the Town
of Taos.
Additional vehicle purchases will include: 2 transit
vans for demand service, 4 14-passenger buses, 1
25-passenger bus, and 2 18-passenger buses with
enhanced amenities.
Overall, the purchase will represent an investment
totaling $7,891,675 with $6,309,464 through Federal/
State contributions and $1,582,211 in Local Match.
The District continues to move forward on the purchase of
equipment and infrastructure upgrades for the Land Mobile Radio
project. Given the District’s extensive service area and continued
growth, there has been a decrease in the ability to consistently
communicate between dispatch and buses via 2-way radio and
our existing system. This upgrade, as well as the addition of new
repeater sites, will eliminate those problems.
This past year, the NCRTD Board approved the recommendation
to move forward Federal Engineering (FE) on the purchase and
implementation of a Next Level Digital Narrowband (NXDN)
system. After an analysis of various procurement methods in
conjunction with FE, it was determined a hybrid model of utilizing
the New Mexico Statewide Price Agreement and submitting
a Request for proposals with a list of equipment and technical
specifications, and performance expectations to the 11 vendors on
the statewide agreement was the best direction to take.
The project is due to be completed in August, 2023.
19 NEW BUSES
LAND MOBILE RADIO PROJECT MOVING FORWARD
NCRTD PAFR 2021 | 13
Ridership in FY 2021took a severe hit due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Percentage declines in ridership
were consistent with public transit systems nationwide.
This is due in part to social distancing and limits
of groups to no more than five. That left the transit
operator and no more than four passengers. Some
recovery was being seen in the final months of the
fiscal year. In the first quarter of FY 2022, ridership
growth was at a pace 84% higher than for the same
period the previous year. We expect that trend to
continue but will still have a way to go to reach
pre-pandemic levels.
*NCRTD funded routes include regional routes funded by NCRTD and
serviced by Santa Fe Trails and Los Alamos Atomic City Transit
DISTRICT CONTINUES TO
SEE IMPACTS OF
COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN
FY 2021 RIDERSHIP
RTD 255 MOUNTAIN TRAIL
AND 305 TAOS EXPRESS
NOW PERMANENTLY
FARE-FREE
At the November 5 Board meeting of the North
Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD), the Board
approved a resolution to make the 255 Mountain
Trail and 305 Taos Express permanently fare-free.
The two premium services had been operating on a
fare basis since their launch and until now were the
only fare-based fixed route services. The District now
provides fare-free service on each of its 29
fixed routes.
Previously, the 255 Mountain Trail was $5 each way
in the winter season which corresponds to the open
and close of Ski Santa Fe. During the non-winter
operation, the cost was $5 to ride up and free to
ride down.
The 305 Taos Express was $5 each way between
Taos and Santa Fe, and $2 from Española to Taos
or Santa Fe.
14 | NCRTD PAFR 2021
EMPLOYEE CORNER
The following series of photos highlights our team members from throughout the year. Included are photos from
the Finance Department being recognized for the Triple Crown Award from the GFOA; Board recognitions for
employees who have gone Above and Beyond; charitable ventures such as the Holiday Giving Tree to benefit
the foster children of the NM Children Youth and Families division; Fun Committee events and competitions; the
employee summer picnic; and community events such as Chama Days, which we participated in for the first time this
year, Española Touch-a-Truck and the Holiday Light Parade.
North Central Regional Transit District
1327 N Riverside Dr Española, NM 87532
505.629.4725 | NCRTD.org