Thousands of people, many senior citizens, may have to find alternate ways to get to the grocery store or doctor appointments.
Citing less funding at the state level, Kosciusko Area Bus Service General Manager Matt Boren said the service may have to look at cutting a route.
Boren told the Kosciusko County Commissioners this morning that an increase in fuel and medical costs, combined with unfunded state mandates, has put a burden on KABS.
“If we don’t see a decrease in costs or find areas for funding, we are looking at having to discontinue some routes,” said Boren.
Boren said on average each of KABS’ nine routes serve about 6,000 riders.
Boren said funding for KABS has stayed the same at the federal level but decreased from the state.
If KABS is forced to cut routes, that would start at the beginning of 2012, Boren said.
Boren estimated KABS would need around $40,000 to continue its current routes.
Boren said they are looking locally to find funding.
KABS is also looking at ways to streamline routes.
In 2010, KABS served more than 60,000 people.
Boren said in an attempt to eliminate costs, a management position at KABS was eliminated.
Boren also appeared before the Warsaw City Council Monday night during its non-profit budget session to ask for an increase of funds from the city level.
The commissioners approved second-quarter claims for KABS totaling $102,000, with $83,000 coming from the federal government and $19,000 coming from state.
The commissioners also approved two speed limit ordinances around Leesburg and Claypool elementary schools.
In Leesburg, Old 15 from Leesburg corporate limits to 1,200 feet south of Armstrong Road and Armstrong Road from Old 15 eastbound going 1,300 feet were reduced to 30 miles per hour.
CR 200W from CR 700S and north 900 feet was dropped to 25 mph.
County highway superintendent Scott Tilden said that so far his crews have chip sealed 74 miles of county road.
