Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tax and Finance Committee allocates $10,000 transit subsidy, approves $146,715 payment to contractor
Summary
The Effingham County Tax and Finance Committee approved a $10,000 subsidy for Effingham County Public Transportation for free rides for veterans, seniors and people with disabilities and authorized payment of $146,715 to F and C Concrete under a previously approved ARPA-funded gazebo contract; both measures passed by voice vote.
The Effingham County Tax and Finance Committee voted to allocate $10,000 to Effingham County Public Transportation to continue free rides for veterans, seniors and people with disabilities and approved a $146,715 payment to F and C Concrete under a previously authorized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant contract.
Committee consideration of the transit subsidy came under new business after the committee approved minutes from a prior meeting. A motion from Chris to approve a $10,000 subsidy for Effingham County Public Transportation was seconded by Doug and carried on a voice vote.
Committee members discussed the growing use of the county subsidy and the program's role in leveraging state match dollars. A committee member said the program's ridership is increasing and that additional local contributions from townships and municipalities would increase the amount the county could draw back in state funds and expand service. The committee noted shortfalls in current funding and that some townships have already contributed to the program.
On a separate agenda item related to an ARPA-funded gazebo project, the committee moved to send the vendor payment to the full county board and later approved payment of $146,715 to F and C Concrete "according to the contract." Committee members said the amount represents the third of four contract payments; the final 10 percent of the contract remains withheld until completion and final grant reimbursement is processed. A voice vote carried the payment approval.
The committee then moved into a closed session to discuss real estate matters, citing an Illinois statutory reference as the authority for the closed discussion. The committee later returned to open session by recorded roll call.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of minutes: Moved by Sandy Rich; seconded by Jeremy Daters; voice vote; carried. - Effingham County Public Transportation subsidy: Motion to allocate $10,000 to continue free rides for veterans, seniors and people with disabilities; mover: Chris Keller; second: Doug McCain; voice vote; outcome: approved. - F and C Concrete payment (gazebo project): Motion to send payment to full board (moved by Josh Douthit; seconded by Jeremy Daters); subsequent motion to approve payment of $146,715 to F and C Concrete according to contract; voice vote; outcome: approved. - Closed session to discuss real estate matters: Moved by Jeremy Daters; seconded by Chris Keller; roll call recorded (see actions). Returned to open session by roll call vote. - Adjournment: Moved by Chris Keller; seconded by Josh Douthit; voice vote; carried.
The committee chair and members suggested municipalities and townships be asked to contribute additional funds to expand service, including past requests to restore weekend service when ridership supports it. Committee members emphasized that additional local contributions increase the county's ability to draw state matching funds and expand bus service, drivers and routes.
The committee did not adopt a larger subsidy amount at this meeting but flagged the item for future budget consideration if demand continues to grow.
Ending
The committee concluded by entering closed session for a real estate discussion and then returning to open session before adjourning. The subsidy and payment approvals will move forward following the committee's votes and existing grant and contract requirements.
