Board approves one-year transit contract with 3 Rivers; county share described as $70,000

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved a one-year contract Jan. 6 with the 3 Rivers Regional Commission to provide regional transit services.

Materials and follow-up correspondence from 3 Rivers explained the funding for the service: the total federal funds cited for the transit program were $1,575,000; the Department of Human Services (DHS) contribution was identified as $1,142,000; participating counties were described as contributing a combined $240,000; and Spalding County’s requested contribution for the program year was cited at $70,000. Meeting materials also noted that 3 Rivers is the named policyholder for the transit vehicles’ insurance and that county contributions are used as match to leverage federal and state funds.

The board approved the one-year agreement by unanimous vote, and the county manager and staff indicated the contract will be executed on a calendar-year basis.

Why it matters: Transit contract funding is a leveraged program that pairs local matching dollars with federal and state funds to operate bus and demand-response service in the region. Committing the county’s 2025 share ensures continued service and helps secure matching funds from DHS and federal sources.

Follow-up: Staff will complete the contract documents and note the county’s contribution in forthcoming budget materials.