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Commission recommends Act 51 resolution naming Mary Bassett as county transit representative
Summary
The committee endorsed a resolution of intent to apply for state formula operating assistance under Act 51 and to name Mary Bassett as Barry County's official representative for public transportation matters; the committee will forward the resolution to the full Board of Commissioners.
The Barry County committee recommended that the Board of Commissioners adopt Resolution 25-05, a resolution of intent to apply for state formula operating assistance under Act 51 of Public Acts of 1951 as amended, and to name transportation director Mary Bassett as the county’s official representative for public-transportation matters.
Mary Bassett, the county’s transportation director, told the committee Transit provided roughly 66,000 rides in the last year and averages between 5,000 and 6,000 rides per month. Bassett described recent service expansions, CPR certification for staff, Saturday routes and upcoming community programs including a February “fill a bus” food drive that offers free rides for riders who donate perishable items for United Way.
The committee voted to recommend adoption of Resolution 25-05, which authorizes the county to provide information to the State Transportation Commission or Department for administration of Act 51 funds and designates the transportation director to sign and execute related agreements. The motion was moved and supported; the committee approved it by voice vote.
Bassett warned that state reimbursement percentages have declined and that many transit agencies statewide are making cuts; she said Barry County's local millage and local funds help maintain service but emphasized a need for state-level support. Commissioners asked about coordination with aging services and routes to a forthcoming Commission on Aging facility; Bassett said current service and door-to-door options can accommodate seniors and that route planning around the new facility will be discussed as plans progress.
The committee's recommendation will be presented to the full Board of Commissioners for final adoption of the resolution and signatures required by the state.
