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Chatham Commissioners Disavow Chair’s CAT Exit Letter as Transit Agency Rebuts $4 Million Claim

County leaders now face a vote on whether to rescind the notice that could halt CAT service on June 30, 2026.

Overview

  • Four commissioners said Chairman Chester Ellis sent the termination notice without a board vote and that it does not reflect the county’s official position.
  • The letter states county support for CAT would end at midnight on June 30, 2026, raising the prospect of a cutoff in county-funded transit services.
  • At a press conference, CAT presented documents disputing allegations of unaccounted paratransit money, citing budgeted line items, a November true-up invoice, and regular audits.
  • CAT said a forensic audit was slated by the prior board to follow the hiring of a permanent CEO, noting the agency already undergoes annual external and periodic federal audits.
  • Commissioner Pat Ferrell plans to seek a vote Friday to rescind the letter, fill three vacant county-appointed CAT board seats, and drop lawsuits, with a county response also expected Friday.