Moultrie County OKs intergovernmental agreement with Effingham County for public transit funding

The Moultrie County Board on June 11 approved an ordinance and an intergovernmental agreement naming Effingham County as the designated grant recipient and administering agency for public transportation funding for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027).

Clerk Linda S. Qualls told the board that guest Beth Beck Marts had hand-delivered a letter enclosing the Intergovernmental Agreement and a request for three signed copies and a copy of the ordinance. "Phelps read the letter aloud requesting the three enclosed copies of the agreement be signed and to forward to her along with a copy of the Ordinance for Public Transportation with Effingham County as grant recipient to be approved by the board at the June 11, 2026, be available for pickup as soon as possible." After discussion the board voted to approve the ordinance and the intergovernmental agreement; each motion carried 8 yes, 0 no on roll call votes.

Budget and administration implications were discussed briefly by board members. As Josh Roe explained during the discussion, "Roe shared the State says Shelby County can no longer be the administrator for the funds they provide for public transportation. Moultrie County had two choices; 1) allow Effingham County, who is already a recipient of the funds and has the people to disburse the funds; 2) the money goes away until next year when we can try to find someone to do this." The board chose to approve Effingham County as the administering agency to maintain service and access to funds.