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Montoursville approves $21,743.76 local match for River Valley Transit despite calls for written pledges from retailers
Summary
Montoursville Borough Council approved a $21,743.76 local match to secure River Valley Transit state funding. Council heard that Walmart has agreed to pay a $12,500 share toward the local match, but at least one council member urged waiting for a written commitment before finalizing long-term budgets.
Montoursville Borough Council voted to provide the borough's $21,743.76 local share so River Valley Transit (RVT) can secure state operating funds.
The payment, approved on a motion by Council Member Marshall Winters and seconded by Donald Konkle, was described by Winters as necessary to avoid jeopardizing RVT routes and state funding. Winters told council that "Walmart is the overwhelming beneficiary of RVT ridership" and that Walmart agreed in negotiations to return $12,500 to the borough over the next five years to reduce the borough's net cost. Todd, a River Valley Transit representative, explained how local shares are calculated by RVT and the state.
The approval came after Council Member Mark Tillson urged caution, asking whether the borough should wait until Walmart's pledged contribution is put in writing and until Weis (another major rider) confirms any share. Winters argued waiting would delay RVT's budget process and risk state funding, and council approved the match by roll call (Tillson, Winters, Emick, Kline, Boyles and Konkle voting yes).
Why it matters: losing or delaying the state share could force RVT to cut routes or service levels that depend on predictable local matches. For Montoursville, the match is a modest line item but part of sustaining regional transit options for residents who rely on bus service to major retailers and employment centers.
What’s next: Winters said he will pursue a written contribution from Walmart and approach Weis about a similar arrangement; council did not condition the match approval on receiving those written commitments.
Speakers quoted or paraphrased in this article are those listed in the council minutes and include Marshall Winters and Mark Tillson.
