Skyline Bus asks Madison County for $125,000 to support operations in FY27

Darren Bugman, representing the Big Sky Transportation District (publicly known as Skyline Bus), asked Madison County commissioners for a $125,000 contribution for fiscal year 2027 to support continuing operations.

Bugman outlined the district’s governance (a five‑member board with two appointments from Madison County) and said the $125,000 request represents roughly 3% of the district’s operating budget. He described recent ridership growth since the pandemic, current contracted operators, service areas that extend into Bozeman and planned service expansions (including the resort area’s connect service). "Our ask is 125,000 which is about 3% of our total operating budget," Bugman said.

He explained that most vehicle capital is funded through federal grants (typically 80–90%) but requires a local match; the district has been approved for 11 replacement vehicles but does not expect delivery in FY27. Bugman provided a funding breakdown showing resort‑tax, fare revenue and modest state funds as primary revenue sources and said Gallatin and Madison counties receive an estimated $1.7 million in road taxes from the Big Sky area, placing the requested contribution in local budget context.

Commissioners asked for the request to be placed on the next Tuesday agenda for formal consideration; no appropriation was approved during the work session.