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Will County approves countywide paratransit IGA with PACE, staff warn of subsidy risk
Summary
The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee approved an intergovernmental agreement with PACE to consolidate paratransit service countywide, expand service hours and accept a larger operating subsidy for 2026; staff said the 2026 PACE subsidy is $1,300,000 and warned the county would need contingency plans if subsidies are reduced in future years.
The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Pace Suburban Bus (PACE) to operate countywide paratransit service for seniors and residents with disabilities, with a start-of-day service expansion and a larger operating subsidy for 2026.
Elaine Bottomly, staff presenting the item, said the IGA consolidates previously township-run services into Access Will County and that Wheatland and DuPage townships will send letters to PACE indicating they will no longer operate their own service and that Will County will take over service delivery. Bottomly told the committee that the consolidated 2026 PACE operating subsidy the county expects to receive for operating the program will be $1,300,000.
Why it matters: committee members emphasized that the agreement must be approved in December to avoid a service interruption on Jan. 1. Several members pressed staff for backup plans in the event PACE or other subsidy sources are reduced or discontinued, citing a risk that the county could be left to cover the shortfall through grants, reserves or property tax levies.
What was discussed: members asked why the IGA packet lacked attachments; Bottomly said the agreement arrived late from PACE and was shared with staff but not included in the packet. She described three material changes from prior arrangements: a modest earlier start to service hours, consolidation to a countywide service area (still allowing trips slightly over the county line consistent with current practice), and a consolidation and increase of subsidies coming to the county. Bottomly said townships are not required to sign separate IGAs; they will join operationally by letter to PACE and Will County will operate up front and bill township partners or apply grant funds as appropriate.
Members sought clarity on long-term funding: several asked if the county would be responsible if PACE cuts subsidies. Bottomly said current subsidies for the year are locked in, but if subsidy funds were eliminated in a future year the county would need to identify other funding (grants, levy, or fare adjustments) and that such decisions would be for the board to make. Members discussed contingency options, including pursuing grants available to a countywide system and considering a separate fare structure if the program were opened to general riders.
The vote: Member Freeman moved to approve the IGA and Hickey seconded; after a roll call the motion carried and the item was approved.
Next steps: staff said they will proceed with implementation, begin collecting ridership and cost data, and pursue billing of township partners and available grant opportunities. Committee members asked staff to provide scenarios and alternate revenue options for future boards to consider.
