MARTA plans to review spending with staff every month and give its board a budget update every six months after the transit agency’s expenses ran nearly 17% over budget in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2026. The agency reported a net deficit of $92.9 million. Every expense category exceeded its budget, according to a report presented to board members. Higher-than-expected sales tax revenue helped limit the shortfall: sales tax receipts were about 4% above forecast, and the tax accounts for roughly 63% of MARTA’s operating funding. Overtime was the largest driver of the overruns. The agency also faced higher maintenance costs and expenses tied to employee absences and vacancies. A $613,000 mistaken overtime payment is among the spending issues under scrutiny; MARTA has sought to recover the money through a lawsuit. Other pressures included expanded transit service around Atlanta’s FIFA World Cup matches, a hiring freeze and delays in collecting fares during the transition to a new fare-gate system. Officials said World Cup-related costs contributed to the overrun but were not its only cause. General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt and budget officials presented a plan for closer monitoring. The reviews are intended to help managers spot spending trends sooner and make adjustments before expenses move further off target. Board members have also emphasized the need for budget decisions to reflect the agency’s actual financial position. The overspending comes as MARTA balances daily transit operations with maintenance and infrastructure needs. Officials said planned savings and capital funds could absorb some unplanned costs, but the new review process is intended to strengthen financial oversight going forward.