Onalaska council declines to add $8,000 for Smart Bus service after debate over low local ridership

The Onalaska Common Council on Dec. 9 voted against extending the city's contribution to the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit “Smart Bus” for 2026, rejecting both a motion to continue funding at the prior level and an amendment to specify the general fund as the source.

Councilor Jim Benash moved to add the Smart Bus contribution to the 2026 budget at the previous level of $8,000; Mike Milke seconded the motion. Supporters argued the service offers low‑cost rides for residents who cannot drive and that a one‑year extension would give users time to adjust if the service ends. Opponents said local usage is minimal and the city’s funds should prioritize services that primarily benefit Onalaska taxpayers.

City staff outlined the program’s funding challenge and usage. “There is going to be a shortfall of approximately $123,000,” a staff member said, and projected “over $200,000” the next year, noting that La Crosse County is the primary operator. Staff reported Onalaska recorded 39 boardings in 2024, representing about 0.2% of the program’s total ridership, and that some rides historically served veterans traveling to the Tomah VA clinic. City staff also said La Crosse County briefly removed the program from its budget but later restored the county funding while asking prior municipal funders to consider continuing support.

Councilors questioned per‑rider cost to Onalaska if the city contributed. One estimate cited during discussion put the city’s per‑ride contribution at roughly $180 if divided by 39 local boardings, a figure opponents said made the proposal difficult to justify. Supporters countered that the service provides affordable access for people without alternatives and that nominal rider fares would remain available whether or not the city contributed.

Ald. Nash moved an amendment to specify that the contribution come from the city’s general fund; the amendment was seconded by Ald. Jurasic. In a roll‑call on the amendment, Jim Benash and Diane Wolf voted in favor; Kathy Lowendorf, Steven Knott, Mike Milke and Larry Jurasic voted no. The amendment failed 2–4. The council then voted on Benash’s original motion to extend the funding at $8,000; the motion failed by the same 2–4 margin (yes: Benash, Wolf; no: Lowendorf, Knott, Milke, Jurasic).

With both the amendment and main motion defeated, councilors directed staff that if the council later wishes to pursue contribution they could bring back a resolution identifying the funding source, and that staff could explore using share‑ride fund reserves or a transfer if the council takes action after year‑end.

The council moved on to other agenda business after the votes.