Park County officials reviewed the budget for Angel Line, the county-subsidized passenger-transport service, at the June 8 budget workshop, with staff detailing revenue sources, operating costs and a restricted capital-improvement plan to save for vehicle replacement.

County budget staff said most Angel Line revenue comes from a mill levy and that other receipts include a small state entitlement payment, private donations and a medical-levy health transfer. An Angel Line representative said, "we do get $275 a month from the area 4 Rockies agency on aging," and that private donations and per-ride suggested donations are inconsistent.

Budget staff explained the fund includes a CIP (capital improvement plan) that can hold money only for capital equipment or projects. "Once they've moved to the CIP, they may only be used for capital projects or capital equipment, so they cannot be moved back for operational purposes," a county finance presenter said, noting the transfer-to-CIP is adjusted at year end based on cash and a limit tied to fund-balance rules.

Officials said Angel Line's main expenditures are payroll, supplies, fuel, training, building rent and an administrative fee to the general fund. The service currently employs two full-time-equivalent positions and two part-time "fill-in" staff; John has shifted to a 40-hour week while Sandra works about 30 hours. The Angel Line representative confirmed both John and Sandra recently received raises that fit within the existing budget.

On capital planning, staff said the fund's year-end cash currently supports a transfer of roughly $26,000 to $29,000 to the CIP; vehicle purchase estimates discussed ranged from $70,000 to $80,000 per vehicle. The representative said only one of two vehicles is in daily use now and that vehicle replacement is likely two to three years away. Near-term maintenance items, such as new tires, will be paid from operations rather than the CIP.

Commissioners and staff agreed to maintain the planned transfers to the CIP to preserve the fund's ability to purchase a replacement vehicle when needed, while keeping operational cash available for essential maintenance and payroll.