Two bus routes that cater predominantly to MU students might be reduced under Columbia City Manager Mike Matthes’ first proposed budget.
The $406 million budget recommends cutting funding for Columbia Transit by 26 percent.
The proposed cuts include the elimination of evening service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and reductions in the amount of miles covered. These changes would go into effect on Oct. 1, according to Matthes’ “Budget in Brief.”
The proposed budget could affect bus routes 207 Gold and 209 Black, the routes which offer services to the MU campus.
“Some apartment complex owners on the Gold route currently pay the city to provide transit services to their residents, while others do not,” Columbia Public Works spokeswoman Jill Stedem said. “The suggested change would drop those apartment complexes from the Black and Gold routes who do not pay to participate.”
According to Matthes’ budget proposal, Columbia Transit costs approximately $1.4 million more annually than Columbia has allotted for transit costs, and the city will run out of money for transit in 2012 if spending stays on its current course.
“While citizens said in our recent survey that their top priority is paving streets, expanding public transit was eighth in a list of 14 choices,” Matthes stated.
Matthes suggested an increase in street paving and maintenance funding by $585,000 to bring the annual street repair funding to $1.6 million.
Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe said though the cuts to transit would save money from the general fund, overall the cuts are shortsighted and a bad idea.
“I am working to find additional sources of funding for transit so these cuts will not occur,” Hoppe said. “It is wonderful that students use the bus system and it is good for the city to have them. It is also better for the environment and student pocketbooks. I am adamantly opposed to the cuts and will work to keep these excellent routes and essential city service.”
City Council work sessions to discuss the proposed budget began on Aug. 15 and will next be held on Sept. 6 and Sept. 19 at City Hall. These sessions are open to the public. The most recent work session was held Sunday night to specifically discuss transit issues.
Hoppe said, at these hearings, the city leaders and community members will discuss how important and valuable transit is and look for ways to support it for the next two years, such as reducing midday services.
“If students are concerned about the cuts, they should email all of the council and the city manager,” Hoppe said.
Other aspects of the proposed budget include small pay raises for city employees, no tax raises and a push to close the gap between revenues and expenses in the general fund.
“In fiscal year 2012, (the general fund) is projected to take in $75.4 million from all revenue sources and spend $77.4 million in services,” Matthes stated. “I recommend approximately $600,000 worth of changes that begin to close the gap between revenues and expenses.”
The City Council is set to vote on the budget before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
