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Board votes to discontinue county support for regional "smart bus" after 2026 amid rising projected costs
Summary
La Crosse County administers the smart bus grant; Vernon County's contribution was $15,000 in 2025 but La Crosse projects Vernon’s 2027 contribution could rise to ~$113,977; the board approved a resolution to discontinue Vernon County support after 2026 and discussed alternative local transportation options.
The Vernon County Board voted to discontinue its financial contribution to the regional "smart bus" program after 2026.
Committee member (speaker 7) explained that La Crosse County administers the program and that Vernon County’s 2025 contribution was $15,000; La Crosse’s projected request for 2027 would have Vernon County contributing approximately $113,977. "We do not have an increased $100,000 levy capacity in our operating budget to continue to support this program," the committee member said, noting La Crosse County had covered prior shortfalls and other counties reduced or withheld contributions.
Board members discussed alternatives including the ADRC’s new "find your own driver" reimbursement option (46.5¢ per mile, max 500 miles/month), connecting residents through county web resources, and coordinating volunteer driver programs. The board approved Resolution 2026-16 to discontinue Vernon County support after 2026 and asked staff to promote alternative transportation resources and explore asset disposition rules for vehicles bought with federal funds.
Supervisors said they would publicize alternative transportation links on the county website and work with human services and ADRC programs to minimize gaps for elderly and disabled riders.
