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Board asks whether dropping Bemidji Bus lines could help close budget gap
Summary
The board asked staff to explore eliminating Bemidji Bus lines and other non‑staff cuts; administration said replacing the provider is feasible but the transition "won’t be smooth or painless" and that two plans are under consideration.
Board members asked whether non‑staff changes — including ending service with Bemidji Bus lines — could help balance the 2026–27 budget. AJ Dombeck said the district is examining options and that eliminating the contract is possible but will present operational challenges during the transition.
Dombeck told the board, "I think we can do that, but it won’t be smooth or painless in the beginning but we are currently working on two different plans to make this happen." The board directed staff to continue work on transportation and other non‑staff options and to include cost and implementation details in the follow‑up budget presentation.
