DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — On Monday, Decatur City Council will vote on three resolutions that could transfer ownership of Macon County's Rural Transportation Service Program to the City and expand services to Mt. Zion.
Councilwoman Lisa Gregory is in support of the resolutions, and said she anticipates the votes passing on Monday. "I think any time that the city of Decatur can have collaborative agreements with Macon County -- as well as our surrounding villages -- and it works to benefit all of the citizens, we should take the opportunity to do so."
City of Decatur Communications Coordinator Ryan Huffer explained that the rural areas in Macon County have less of a guarantee of service with the current Service Program. "Right now, there's a lack of service for some of our rural areas. And the village of Forsyth, [and] village of Mount Zion are kind of in a gray area, too. They don't exactly qualify for those rural transportation dollars."
If the three resolutions are passed, ownership, operation, and management of the Transportation Service Program will be transferred to the City of Decatur.
It would also expand Transportation Services in Forsyth and Mt. Zion, through micro-transit shuttle options.Â
"We're really talking about the introduction of micro transit when that comes this year. Those are smaller vehicles. It's more on demand service. Somebody can use an app or call and say, 'hey, I need a ride,' as opposed to waiting at a bus stop." said Huffer.
Huffer also explained that the city will not be paying for the Program. "And the good thing is that the city will not be using any City of Decatur dollars for it. It'll all be federal and state transportation dollars that will pay for this."Â
The resolutions also require that Macon County transfer all fund balances to be used for the Transit Service to the City, including Section 5311 and Downstate Operating Assistance Program(DOAP) funds.Â
Additionally, if any grants or funds do not cover the cost of the City operating the Transit Service, the County will be required to pay the deficit.
"The negotiation that we arrived at where the county will turn over any grant funds that they have available -- as well as their existing vehicles -- really will benefit the program moving forward." said Gregory.
Huffer explained that beyond expanding services to communities that need it, it could also bring more people into the city. "When you provide transportation, that can mean that people can come to work in Decatur, they can shop, they can dine, they can get entertainment." said Huffer.
The Decatur City Council Meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Civic Center.Â
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