City Council approves 2025 transit agreement with Joe Davies County Transit

The Galena City Council convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the funding and operation of the local shuttle service provided by Jo Daviess County Transit.

The meeting began with a review of the financial contributions to the shuttle service, which is partially funded by revenue from local hotels. Council members debated the appropriateness of the current funding split, with some suggesting that Visagalina, the tourism entity, should cover a larger portion of the costs. The total cost for the shuttle service was noted to be $15,880, and several council members expressed the belief that this amount is manageable for Visagalina, given their revenue from hotel taxes.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the effectiveness and necessity of the shuttle service. Council member Cindy Johnson emphasized the importance of the shuttle in alleviating parking issues and providing essential transportation for visitors. Other members echoed her sentiments, highlighting that the shuttle service has been beneficial and is increasingly utilized each year.

Despite the support for the shuttle, there were concerns about the financial contributions from Visagalina. Some council members argued that the organization should be asked to contribute more, given their financial resources. The discussion included a suggestion to revisit this funding arrangement in the following year, allowing time for further negotiations with Visagalina.

Ultimately, the council voted on a motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement with Jo Daviess County Transit for the 2025 shuttle service. The motion passed with a majority vote, ensuring that the shuttle service will continue to operate for the upcoming year.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about funding for local services and the role of tourism in supporting community infrastructure. The council plans to address the funding contributions from Visagalina in future discussions, aiming for a more equitable financial arrangement moving forward.