By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
If all goes well – and there are still some pieces needed to fill the puzzle – a transportation service could be operating throughout Adams County by January 1.
Although it would be operated by the Adams County Council on Aging out of the MERIT Center (former Northwest school), the service would be available to all residents of the county.
Council on Aging Director Michelle Lengerich, local attorney Clayton Lengerich, and county Commissioner Stan Stoppenhagen (left to right in photo) discussed the plans with city officials at Tuesday night’s meeting of Decatur City Council.
Council wholeheartedly supported the plan and it was agreed that the next step will be for the trio to get a green light from Adams County Council.
“You have a commitment from our council and the next step will be to take it to your (county) council (for a commitment), then we’ll iron out the details,” Decatur Mayor Dan Rickord said.
An approval of a final plan will be needed by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), which has strict criteria for public transportation, Michelle Lengerich said.
When that is achieved, the county would be on a two-year type of probationary plan. Federal funds totaling $50,000 would be forthcoming for those two years, then go higher for the third year and beyond.
State funds are also expected to be available and Michelle Lengerich is working on a grant for funds.
User fees also would be part of the financial package.
The council on aging currently has four vehicles to provide transportation and at least two more would be needed. A garage also would have to be constructed. “I would consider a garage as essential,” Stoppenhagan told city council.
“I am very confident Michelle can get this done,” Councilman Craig Coshow noted. “She has been great at what she does.”