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Daniels County agrees to $7,500 annual support for hospital-run transportation program
Summary
Commissioners voted to shift the county’s transportation support from a mileage-based reimbursement to a flat $7,500 annual payment (quarterly installments) to help stabilize a hospital-run transportation program facing declining ridership and driver shortages.
Bridget, representing the hospital transportation program, told commissioners the service — established in 2006 and operated with hospital fiduciary support — has seen declining ridership and difficulties maintaining driver availability. The program is supported by fluctuating state and federal grants and the hospital subsidizes any funding gaps.
Bridget requested the county pay the full $7,500 annual support (rather than paying by mileage), split into quarterly installments, so she could plan and make the driver position more attractive. Commissioners discussed whether the funding should remain in the senior-citizen budget and whether a flat payment affects grant reporting; staff indicated the county’s budget already includes the $7,500 under the senior-citizens line and the hospital can incorporate the amount into grant applications.
A commissioner moved and the board voted to approve the full $7,500 annual support to the transportation program, paid quarterly beginning July 1. Bridget said she would provide quarterly reports on ridership and mileage to the commission and continue recruitment and marketing to increase usage.
