Commissioners hear countywide transit grant pitch and discuss 0.5‑mill proposal

County commissioners heard a detailed presentation from Elma Transit representatives about a competitive state grant opportunity to expand transit countywide and discussed whether to pursue a November millage ask to sustain service.

Brett and transit staff explained the grant would cover up to 100% of capital costs and provide operational funding at 90% in the first year, stepping down to 80% and 70% in subsequent years. Transit staff estimated hiring 10 additional full‑time drivers, adding Saturday service, and expanding hours; regular fare would remain low (about $2), with seniors and disabled riders paying reduced or no fares.

To sustain operations if grant funding is not permanent, presenters said the county would likely need a dedicated revenue source and recommended a countywide millage of up to 0.5 mills; staff estimated that level would raise roughly $1.16 million and translate to about $25 per year for the average homeowner. Commissioners asked about service boundaries, school-district interactions, whether individual townships could opt out (presenters said a countywide ask is all-or-nothing), and how interlocal agreements with neighboring counties might work.

Commissioners asked staff to return with more detailed township-level impact data and asked the transit team to meet with township boards and potential partners. The board did not place a millage request on the ballot at the meeting but agreed to add the matter to a future agenda for a formal resolution if the grant timeline and local input make a ballot ask appropriate.