Meriwether County approves $25,900 FY25 payment to 3 Rivers for transit service

Meriwether County commissioners on Jan. 8 approved a one-year transit service agreement contribution of $25,900 to 3 Rivers Regional Commission to sustain public transportation service in the county for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025). The board also authorized the chairman to sign the contract and specified the general fund contingency line as the anticipated payment source.

Staff explained that 3 Rivers assumed direct management of the transit program beginning July 1, 2023, and that insurance and other operating costs rose substantially when the regional provider began operating buses directly. Staff said sponsorships and extra pandemic-era funding had covered county contributions in prior years and that 3 Rivers is not seeking any back years from Meriwether County.

Why this matters: The county’s $25,900 share is part of a multi-county operating budget the packet listed at approximately $355,337 for FY25. Approving the payment preserves transit service for county residents; staff said 3 Rivers will notify the county if further changes to insurance or operating costs require a revised request for next fiscal year.

Action taken: The board voted to approve the FY25 service agreement and to allow the chairman to execute the contract. Staff said the county will be invoiced in June and that payments will be made from general fund contingency if needed.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to monitor 3 Rivers’ cost structure and to return future contract requests to the board with advance notice so the county can budget for subsequent fiscal years.