The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners on Monday approved $225,000 in county discretionary funding for the Parachute Area Transit System (PATS) for the 2025 operating year, while holding off on a separate $25,000 request.

PATS director Travis Elliott and representatives from partner jurisdictions described system operations, ridership and capital needs. PATS has provided about 30,000 rides over five years and is projecting roughly 6,000 rides in 2025. Elliott described capital funding prospects including a state FASTER grant that would cover a large portion of two vehicle replacements and possible federal 5311 formula funds in future years. “We’re projecting a little bit of a deficit of approximately $13,000 at the end of 2025,” Elliott said, noting a planned capital match and a proposed shop expansion.

Commissioners moved and voted to provide the $225,000 that had been budgeted for the year; one commissioner asked staff to revisit an additional $25,000 request later after the county’s budget and state funding outlook were clearer. The approved funding is intended to support PATS general operations in 2025; PATS staff and partner towns are pursuing additional grant and partner contributions for 2026’s expansion plans such as on‑demand service pilots.