Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
KABS will be reviewing its service options after losing out in funding requests from the city of Warsaw and Kosciusko County, said the agency's director, Tom Sherron.
KABS suffered a double whammy last week when Kosciusko County officials chose not to provide $12,000 in local support for a federal grant. Warsaw mayor Ernie Wiggins then informed KABS that if Kosciusko County - the liaison for federal funds - wouldn't provide local support, the city wouldn't either.
KABS was seeking $82,729 from the city.
The money is needed to offset the decreasing amount of federal and state funds. In the past, Cardinal Center has provided the entire local match. In 1997, that figure was $153,000, according to Sherron. Meanwhile, one of the commissioners who voted against recommending the county provide $12,000 for KABS said he didn't have enough information to support the proposal.
Nobody from KABS appeared Tuesday when the request for $12,000 appeared on the agenda, even though a representative of KABS said they made it clear they would want to make a presentation.
KABS representatives apparently didn't know the issue was going to be discussed.
Commissioner Brad Jackson said Friday he doesn't want to appear as if he opposes public transportation, but said he couldn't support the proposal because there was a lack of information about the request.
He said the decision is not irreversible and that KABS could return sometime next year and seek the funding again.
But Sherron said they will begin reviewing necessary changes to service and fare rates in light of the lack of local funding.
"KABS will be reviewing all of the services we provide. We will attempt to minimize the impact of service reductions and fare increases that will be required. We will also be continuing our ongoing efforts to raise local matching dollars," Sherron said.
He added: "The decisions by the Kosciusko County Commissioners and the Warsaw City Council to deny our request for funding will have a significant and negative impact on KABS operations."
The commissioners' decision came under a deadline pressure with only two of three board members present.
Commissioner Avis Gunter expressed willingness Tuesday to support the issue, but Jackson voted against it. At the time, Jackson said the vote would establish a new precedent.
Jackson said the county needs to determine whether it wants to support public transportation with county funds.
The vote was needed last week so a recommendation could be made before council begins budget reviews tonight.
