The Dec. 11 Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) board meeting took place exclusively online. While the main order on the agenda was to host a public hearing for final approval of the 2026 budget, the meeting covered several other topics. Following roll call, Chair Greg Poschman welcomed Alicia Gresley, who has been appointed by the City of Rifle to attend the meetings. Rifle is not a voting member on RFTA’s board, but has many residents who use its Hogback route services.
During general comments, board member Brandy Copeland mentioned the Town of New Castle’s gratitude for the new bus stop cover they have. Board member and Aspen Mayor Rachel Richards raised questions about fire evacuation planning and Rio Grand Trail safety for next year. Richards asked to designate time to “get all jurisdictions on the same page” on these topics. RFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag noted that for Aspen fire evacuation, the response would be managed by Pitkin County Emergency Management and staffed by RFTA if necessary.
The board quickly passed the meeting’s consent agenda, including an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Garfield County Older Adult Programs Traveler Services. Approval of the IGA authorized Poschman as board chair to execute the agreement to fund transportation services for Garfield County residents who are 70 or older, use wheelchairs or otherwise have transportation needs unmet by typical services like buses. The MOU, an accompanying document, articulates the specific level of service to be provided in each constituent community: Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Garfield County, Carbondale, New Castle and Silt. Garfield County approved and signed both the IGA and MOU on Dec. 8.
RFTA budget manager David Carle and director of finance Paul Hamilton then presented the 2026 budget for a public hearing. The agenda packet included an executive summary of the planned budget, which has appeared before the board in two previous drafts. The RFTA finance team anticipates that total 2026 funds will be $101.6 million, with nearly $76 million from general revenue, which comes mainly from sales and property taxes ($45.6 million and $18.4 million, respectively).
Anticipated 2026 expenditures total $96.4 million. The majority goes toward the general fund, totaling $70.8 million with almost $50.6 million designated for transit costs. Another $19.3 million is budgeted for service contracts, $16.9 of which is specifically for bus operation or drivers. The budget includes around $5 million designated toward four different debt service funds.
The board turned to a third resolution, which certifies and levies a property tax of $2.65 million for the 2026 budget year. This levies from the 2025 year for 2026 collections. RFTA gained the authority to impose property taxes in December of each year.
The meeting closed with Kurt Ravenschlag’s CEO report. He opened his report by honoring Colorado state senator Faith Winter, who died Nov. 25 in a traffic accident on I-25. While she represented Colorado District 25, located on the Front Range, Winter was a known advocate for public transportation, sustainability, and policies improving quality of life. Senator Winter championed state legislation that supported rural transportation agencies including RFTA to fund services as well as employee housing.
Ravenschlag also shared details on a study RFTA conducted around bikes on bus racks during winter months. This has historically been prohibited due to safety concerns and bus headlight performance reductions. The study was to provide data for future conversations. While Ravenschlag discussed details of the study, firm conclusions were not presented.
Ravenschlag also shared that he participated in a Dec. 2 roundtable conversation hosted by the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership. The meeting focused on regional transportation and the future funding of RFTA Hogback services for Rifle and New Castle. Ravenschlag expects that conversation to continue, and promised to update the board regularly.
The next board meeting will occur on Jan. 8 at 8:30am at Carbondale Town Hall. The public can also join via Webex. An agenda will be available at www.rfta.coma week ahead of the meeting.