Kenosha committee approves stopgap payment to keep paratransit service through year-end

The Kenosha Finance Committee on June 16 approved a second amendment to the city's paratransit agreement that will provide a temporary stipend to Kenosha Achievement Center Inc. to maintain paratransit service through Dec. 31.

The measure, approved unanimously, follows a 30-day cancellation notice from the provider and is intended to preserve service while the county issues a new request for proposals. Morrissey, a transit staff member, told the committee the city offered "$15,000 a month as a stipend to assist in trying to get through this contract," totaling $180,000 through the end of the year.

The amendment affects service funded in part by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants. Morrissey said the existing contract allows billing up to about $25.84 per one-way ride but that actual reimbursement depends on ridership; he said the contract cap is roughly $495,000 but that lower ridership has reduced revenues.

Morrissey described the change as a short-term measure prompted by declining ridership and local driver shortages. "This is really a stopgap measure that we came to to continue the paratransit service through December," he said, noting an RFP will be issued by the county and other providers may bid.

Committee members did not debate an alternative funding source at the meeting. The motion to approve the amendment carried on a 5-0 vote.

The committee record shows the amendment is intended to preserve service continuity and allow the procurement process to proceed; it does not itself select a long-term service provider. Additional contract or budget approvals may be required after the RFP and staff recommendations are completed.