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Administrator says shared-ride program projects roughly $100,000 shortfall; council hears options
Summary
Administrator Rendy told the council the shared-ride program may finish the year about $100,000 short without added revenue; the city is keeping the contracted provider and exploring partnerships to offset the levy support.
Administrator Rendy updated the council on Monroe’s shared-ride program and projected finances, saying the city has begun using local tax levy dollars to support the service and that the program could face about a $100,000 deficit for the year.
"I'm projecting around a $100,000 deficit for this year," Rendy said, noting that previous pandemic-era aid helped balance costs in prior years. The administrator said the city will remain in year two of a contract with the current provider and that the contracted hourly rate paid to the company will stay the same while the council-approved fare schedule contains phased increases designed to offset costs.
Council members asked about which company operates the contracted service and whether other vendors had been solicited. Rendy said the city’s contract is with Brown Cab (vehicles sometimes marked Monroe Cab) and that other ride sources — such as trips arranged through insurance (BadgerCare) or agencies — are not part of the city contract. Rendy said Brown Cab has been the only responsive bidder in recent solicitations but the city is exploring partnerships with local organizations, including health providers, to help support the service and reduce reliance on levy dollars.
What the council may do next: no motion was made to change the contract or fares at this meeting; Rendy said changing the fare schedule would require a new public hearing and published notices, and council members indicated they could revisit the program if they wanted to adjust previously approved fare changes.
