Scott County commissioners approve $6,000 local match for Scottsburg transit expansion

Commissioners voted July 1 to provide a $6,000 contingency local match to support a simplified, city-focused transit service in Scottsburg that would operate under the federal 5311 rural transit grant program.

Roland Lemus, who presented the plan, described an approach that limits certain vehicles to city service while existing county vehicles continue broader county coverage. Lemus said the service is “very cost effective” and noted riders typically pay about “$2 each way for anything under 10 miles,” adding that the local match leverages a roughly 2.5x funding multiplier from the grant program: “If you provide 6k, you're gonna get probably 18 or a little bit more.”

After the presentation a commissioner moved to approve the $6,000 match contingent on fund availability and accounting checks; the board seconded and approved the motion by voice vote. Commissioners asked follow-up questions about trip scheduling and turnaround: Lemus said same-day rides are possible “maybe” but typical lead time is about three days because frequent riders book weeks in advance. He also confirmed vehicles are ADA-compliant and that veterans ride free on certain days.

Commissioners and Lemus agreed that community outreach and regular marketing are needed to increase ridership; Lemus suggested quarterly publicity, flyers at events and outreach to social-service partners. He also said the county match would be used for operational dollars tied to the local system and would be tracked separately during annual reporting to the grantor.

The motion authorizes the county to provide the contingency match; staff will document the payment and include results in future reports back to the board.