Council authorizes $50,793 ILA with Hill Country Transit for Killeen elderly transportation program

KILLEEN, Texas — The City Council authorized an interlocal agreement with the Hill Country Transit District to provide transportation services for Killeen’s Elderly Transportation Program and approved $50,793 in city funding for the fiscal year.

Tiffany McNair presented background: the program, active since 1997, pays fares for eligible beneficiaries — city residents age 62 and older who also meet the income threshold listed by staff (the transcript lists the eligibility items as three criteria that must be met). Hill Country Transit provides urban microtransit and commuter regional services; the city funds the program with a mix of general-fund and block-grant dollars. Staff said the 2025 budget includes $50,793 from the general fund and $10,007.93 from block grants to support the program.

Program details presented at the meeting included reduced fares: a single ride is $1 (50% reduction), a weekly pass is $10 and a monthly pass is $25. The service will pick up beneficiaries at their home if there is safe access; staff said they are negotiating with some apartment property managers to facilitate pickups where gates are present. Program staff told council there were 13 approved beneficiaries and 28 approved personal care assistants; average monthly rides and costs were presented to justify the funding request.

Council members praised the program and urged outreach while asking about usage and whether future funding increases may be needed. Staff said applications continue to come in periodically and that current funds and the discount the city negotiated give the program more rides for the money at present.

The council authorized the city manager to execute the interlocal agreement, which staff said will continue current service for Killeen seniors.