Rutland Township trustees about becoming sponsors on the program. They
discussed the possibility of sponsoring riders who have medical appointments
and those who work at their facilities. Rutland Township agreed to be a sponsor
of the Ride in Kane program. They plan to have this service for their residents in
the unincorporated areas. Pingree Grove and Huntley are already covered by
Ride in Kane and by McRide out of McHenry County. Rutland Township is in the
process of working out a budget and anticipates joining in the next few months.
County Board Member Sanchez questioned the current funding allocation to the
townships for the Ride in Kane Program. He explained that Dundee Township
continues to budget for the Ride in Kane program. However for the current
budget year the program has increased the cost tremendously. Sanchez stated
that Dundee has been challenged with figuring out how to fund this without
cutting the program. He asked if the formula structure could be modified to
provide for allocations to townships based on their average ridership, instead of
having the same funding allocated across the board. Another suggestion he
provided was to have the County reconsider increasing the subsidy given out to
townships, in order to help support those who are struggling to fund the full
amount. Sanchez spoke on the issue of cost control. He stated that the County
should look into ways to lessen the cost burden on townships, such as allowing
a mental health board to fund riders that would qualify for those types of funds.
Sanchez explained that Dundee is having difficulties figuring out the cost per
rider. Currently, the operation costs are significant. After having discussions with
PACE Bus, they have explained that they do not have a way to figure out the
true cost per rider, only an average, which is not adequate for a mental health
board to fund. KDOT staff Forbes and Rickert addressed his questions.
Discussion ensued. Forbes explained that KDOT is considering taking the
subsidy and allocating it evenly to townships. They will look at trip count.
Sponsors that have more trips would receive a higher allocation of funds. She
explained that in 2022, the cost per trip was $38.28. For 2023, it increased to
$55.73. This increase has hurt many across the board. Further discussion
ensued on how to combat the cost increase. Rickert explained that after having
meetings with PACE Bus Executive Director and Mayor Schielke, a contract has
been created and agreed upon for funding on this year's program. As mentioned
at last month's Committee meeting, Rickert stated that changes will be made to
the contract for future fiscal years, regarding how Ride in Kane will be funded in
the future.
10.
Permitting
Permitting Report
A.
KDOT staff Hohertz stated the monthly Permitting Report was on file. No
additional report was made.