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County and cities debate CityLink funding formulas and potential joint-powers transfer
Summary
Commissioners discussed alternatives to the current population-based CityLink contribution formula, federal bus grants, and the possibility of a joint powers agreement that would shift transit control to cities.
Kootenai County commissioners and city representatives on April 2 discussed changing how participating cities fund CityLink, the county’s public transit partner, and considered structural options including a joint powers agreement (JPA) and pending federal grants to buy buses.
Commissioner Leslie Duncan said the current funding formula is strictly population-based and likely outdated. She proposed exploring alternatives such as sales-tax share, property valuation, number of stops, service miles or cost-per-mile. Duncan suggested forming a small subcommittee of interested cities and county staff to evaluate formulas and return recommendations.
Representatives noted the county currently contributes roughly $66,000 in cash funds to CityLink but that figure does not include legal, insurance or indirect costs; one city representative said their annual contribution exceeds $100,000. City participants volunteered to form a subcommittee; Commissioner Duncan said she would ask staff member Chad to join because of his program knowledge.
Commissioner Bruce Mettari said the new board is reviewing transit options and fiscal impacts, including whether to hire additional staff or reduce service levels. He reiterated a past suggestion that a JPA could give cities more direct control over transit and said commissioners are considering a range of options, including connecting service to Spokane or altering service levels. A decision on federal bus-acquisition grants was described as pending; participants said that outcome could affect funding and service decisions.
No formal action was taken. The group approved forming a subcommittee to evaluate funding methodologies and asked staff to provide updated total-cost figures to participating cities.
