Council approves transit service contract to bring Warren County Housing Authority residents into Galesburg

The Galesburg City Council voted unanimously to approve a service contract (item 254015) that will give Warren County Housing Authority residents unlimited fixed-route rides in Galesburg from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.

City staff described the arrangement as an extension of regional transport partnerships: "The housing authority will receive funding for this endeavor through the hunger collaborative of the Galesburg Community Foundation," City Manager Mr. Hansen said, adding that Warren County Public Transportation will bring patrons into Galesburg and then they will use the city's fixed-route system. Hansen said trips will be tracked and billed to the housing authority "at current fair rates." A council member asked whether the county would transport people into town or the city would pick them up; Hansen replied, "They actually bring them here."

Council discussion was brief and supportive. "I think this is just another opportunity for folks to have more opportunities," said Mr. Giesemann, a speaker during the discussion. With no objections, the council voted 6–0 in favor of the contract.

The agreement directs the city to track ridership and invoice Warren County Housing Authority for services; funding for the local portion will come from the Galesburg Community Foundation's hunger collaborative, according to staff. The contract runs through the end of 2027 and aims to improve access to shopping, health care and other services for WCHA residents.