Becker County trims transit routes as commissioners press state for more funding ahead of a new child-welfare transportation requirement

Becker County officials told commissioners that the county's transit system has already cut routes and removed Saturday service to meet this year's budget, and commissioners urged state representatives to consider additional funding as new state rules will increase the county's transportation obligations.

Transit manager Kevin (surname not specified in the meeting) briefed commissioners that the department is operating a reduced schedule and has a bus currently out of service; the county is using a spare bus while repairs and insurance issues are resolved. "For now we have reduced our routes and no Saturday pickups so we can meet the budget for that they have given us for this year," a county official said.

Commissioners said the state will soon require child-welfare agencies to provide transportation as part of an upcoming act (discussed in the meeting as effective 01/01/1927 in the transcript; commissioners intended the forthcoming child-welfare rule), and rural counties will face high costs because metropolitan families can rely on existing transit systems. Commissioner Phil urged pushing the state to fund the transportation mandates tied to the new child-welfare requirements.

Commissioners applauded staff efforts to have County and regional representatives raise transit funding issues with state legislators and regional officials. Jim Joy, a regional transportation committee member mentioned by commissioners, is expected to pursue discussions with state and regional representatives about transit funding formulas and inconsistencies in how state and federal dollars are allocated.

No new transit appropriation was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue advocacy with state and regional partners and to report back on opportunities to restore service if additional funds are available.