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Rolling Hills Transit seeks community input as local match rises; Harmony faces potential $40,000 shortfall
Summary
Rolling Hills Transit told the Harmony EDA it is exploring service expansion to Chatfield and Harmony and faces a 2026 increase in the required local match (from 5% to 10%), producing an estimated $40,000 funding shortfall; a community survey is planned for October.
Bill Spitzer of Rolling Hills Transit briefed the Harmony Economic Development Authority on Sept. 4 about service changes and proposed expansions.
Spitzer said the system previously operated 13 routes and suspended one to reallocate hours; staffing levels are adequate and there are no open driver positions. Rolling Hills is exploring expanded service into Chatfield and Harmony, and the possibility of an express route to Rochester; transportation to Winona is already possible through existing services.
He described program details: a volunteer driver program reimburses mileage for individuals using their own vehicles for medical rides, and the Care Van program serves riders with mobility restrictions (two vans covered by insurance, Medicare, or private pay). Spitzer said Rolling Hills partners with SEMCAC and that MnDOT currently provides 95% of operating funds; beginning in 2026 MnDOT’s local-match requirement will increase to 10 percent, producing an anticipated $40,000 shortfall for the local partner.
Spitzer asked whether Harmony would be interested in supporting expanded services and recommended a community survey to gauge interest; Alissa Stelpflug suggested distributing the survey with utility bills or newsletters and using social media. Spitzer proposed a small participation incentive (for example, $5 Harmony Dollars). Spitzer said he would prepare and print the survey for October distribution.
No formal funding commitment was requested or made at the Sept. 4 meeting; the board asked staff to consider outreach options and potential local support mechanisms.
