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Bisbee approves up to $159,353 to sustain Bisbee Bus, creates permanent transit manager post
Summary
The City of Bisbee approved two resolutions to support the Bisbee Bus: one to authorize annual ADOT grant applications and another to allow up to $159,353.13 in general funds through Sept. 30, 2026 if needed; council also approved a permanent Transit Manager position.
Bisbee's mayor and council voted Feb. 3 to back continued operation of the Bisbee Bus and to authorize the mayor to sign required grant applications to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Interim Transit Manager Melanie Greene told the council the city must file its federal/state grant application in mid-February and has budgeted for a "worst-case scenario" in which the city would operate the service in-house while rebidding operations. "I prepared a budget based on a worst-case scenario of running the service in-house," Greene said.
Council then approved Resolution R-26-03 supporting the Bisbee Bus Transit program and authorizing submission of grant applications, and later passed Resolution R-26-05 authorizing use of up to $159,353.13 in general funds through Sept. 30, 2026, to operate the bus if grant awards and other sources are insufficient.
Greene told the council the current state award was insufficient to sustain the service and projected a deficit of about $159,353; she said staff would also seek support from Cochise County and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office to reduce the city's contribution. "If Cochise County agrees to provide funding, that figure could be reduced," Greene said, noting a target county contribution of about $30,000 to $40,000.
On service changes, Greene said an efficiency study recommended returning to a single route with consistent 1 hour 40 minute headways so all riders would experience the same wait instead of some neighborhoods waiting more than two hours. She also said a temporary route termination at the Circle K location was caused by construction on Moon Canyon and would be restored when the work is complete.
As part of the transit package, the council unanimously approved creating a permanent Transit Manager position to replace Greene's interim role. The job description includes a salary range of $42,400 to $63,000; Greene said the top of the range would be used only to attract experienced candidates and requested prompt posting because her contract ends in mid-March.
Councilmembers framed the bus as a vital service for residents who depend on it to reach health care and grocery services but expressed concern about using general fund dollars to cover operating costs. The motion on R-26-05 directed staff to pursue county funding and other partners to reduce the city's exposure.
The council approved the resolutions and the new position by unanimous vote. The city will apply for ADOT funds and, if awarded, accept grants and provide any required match; if the awards fall short, the city can tap the authorized general fund amount to maintain service through the federal fiscal year end.
