Lack of state budget threatens imminent shutdown of Logan County Public Transportation System
Logan County Board and Community Action look hard for options

Note: The following report is based on a discussion that took place between the Logan County Board and Community Action representatives this past Tuesday evening, August 18.

At that meeting it was expected that the Logan County Public Transportation Program would need to be shutdown on Sept 8th due to lack of state and federal grant funds.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill that allows federal grant funds to pass through intended to aid the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

In spite of the action, several factors remain unknown to the local decision makers at this time.

Lincoln Daily News will bring you updates on the local decisions about the Public Transportation Program when they become available.

[August 21, 2015]  LINCOLN - History: A program geared toward senior services offering medical appointment transportation and meals has been operated by Community Action for many years. In a bold step just over three years ago, the Logan County Board agreed to be the recipient of the grant funds as a 'a pass through' agent, and the program was expanded to offer more transportation services to the public. The Logan County Public Transportation Program was begun with Community Action remaining the operator.

The following is what was discussed on Tuesday evening, August 18, as the Logan County Board met for the monthly Regular session:

Members of the Logan County Board heard more detail on the expected suspension of the Logan County Public Transportation Program. Reporting for the Executive Committee, Jan Schumacher reminded the board that the operator of the system, Community Action, is probably going to have to suspend services as of September 8.

The board expressed concern about individuals who use the transportation for getting to medical services such as chemotherapy and dialysis. Schumacher suggested the possibility of the county covering the amount needed in the interim until a state budget has been passed, and asked if and how the county might be reimbursed if doing so.

Alison Rumler-Gomez of Community Action explained that grants are used to operate the program, noting that 90% of the money comes from federal proceeds and 10% from state proceeds. The grant funds are allocated by the quarter-year.
Community Action was recently notified by the state that there would be no more funds for that program until the state passes a budget, and then only if the funds make it into the budget.

Rumler-Gomez said the governor has suggested that he might allow the 90 percent federal funds to pass through to agencies in the absence of a state budget.

Rumler-Gomez said that Community Action pays the money for transportation up front and then gets reimbursed on a quarterly basis.

The state's 10 percent would remain unavailable in the absence of appropriation.

Rumler-Gomez said that Community Action has already paid and incurred all the expense to date for July and August and will continue to incur the expense until September 8. At that time they will not be in a financial position to continue to front the expenses even if the reimbursement is coming. She is open to a compromise with the county.

Andy Anderson inquired about the amount of money needed to keep just critical services, which was identified as approximately $16,000 for just the medical appointments. He asked if the board is at the mercy of the state government, "whether we get the money back," and if the county could potentially be out this money.

Rumler-Gomez said she would not feel comfortable to "gamble with the board's money." She said there is no guarantee of federal money for services already extended.

Rumler-Gomez explained that there are three key areas that affect the program:
1. Appropriation of money at both federal and state level
2. Grant award in place at the time you provide services
3. An agency that will pass the money through
 

She further explained that in two out of the three instances, they were "no winners" for the month of July and August and that as long as there is no state budget, it is a gamble. You need to assume that you are not going to see that money again. Rumler-Gomez mentioned that the Program Compliance Oversight Monitor, Pam Meagher, has talked to some at the Illinois Department of Transportation that say the money is coming, but said she does not want to speak for Pam. She says if the board feels comfortable front ending that and if the board feels they have adequate assurances, Community Action can continue to offer the service.

Kevin Bateman inquired about just offering transport for the critical medical services and Rumler-Gomez said they could do that only by destination, noting that for the seniors in their program, they are required to gather more information and usually know the nature of the appointment.

Board Chairman David Hepler stated that he was assured by Meagher that if the board allowed the essential medical services to continue that IDOT would reimburse them. Schumacher said she also spoke with Meagher who said it is not fully reimbursable - just 90 percent.

Anderson asked whether the board could be potentially providing the service a month from now and a month after that. Rumler-Gomez said that the state has not appropriated for the Downstate Operating Fund. The grant is not that large, so by the end of September, Community Action would have spent all the federal money they have available and then would have to depend on state appropriations they do not have yet.

Bateman inquired about appropriating the money to go from September 8 to October 8 and see where they stand, "with people tightening the reins" as in assistance through Community Action in coordinating rides for most critical needs and with more efficiency.

Ruben said the board cannot approve it until next month's board meeting. Hepler said Meagher told him they may have to call a special meeting at the beginning of September to authorize an agreement.

Ruben reminded him that it would require a budget amendment that would require a 2/3 vote of all board members. With two members absent, a straw vote that the county supply the $18,000 funding was evenly split 5 - 5, indicating it could fail.

Ruben reminded the board of other lost reimbursements and revenue, and pointed out that the $18,000 could adversely affect the budget.

Anderson felt that if the board cannot afford to help with transport, they are not able to afford raises.

Rumler-Gomez said they are still anticipating the suspension of services. They average 800 total medical appointments and as of now, 250 are already scheduled for September. She said Community Action is telling people the services will be suspended because they do not want to promise rides they cannot deliver on - they want to make sure people have suitable time to find alternative means to get to and from appointments.

Rohlfs asked about the number of vans and Rumler-Gomez stated that 10 are owned by the county and another 13 by Community Action. Rohlfs asked how many vans they would have to retain in order to provide just the critical medical services. Angie Jenkins, also of Community Action stated that depending on the nature of the transportation, less than half are medical transports. They are looking at having four vehicles on the road each day. Rumler-Gomez said that just doing medical transports could mean 800 rides instead of the usual 2000 and they could minimize the number of vehicles used and drivers needed, though they only have two full time drivers now.

Bateman asked about patients scheduling appointments at the same time so that a few could ride together and they could save trips. Rumler-Gomez stated that they are open to doing that and asking medical providers to schedule appointments back to back, but it takes time to plan.

Rohlfs asked how people got rides before the program. Jenkins said they offered senior transport and manned it at a deficit, which is why they started the program. Rumler-Gomez explained Community Action's commitment and mission, noting all the programs they offer. She said they have had cash reserves and Community Action has been funding all programs but Head Start and the Foster Grandparent program. Rumler-Gomez says they are fiscally viable, but are trying to continue to make fiscally responsible decisions so that they can stay there.

To save money they have asked employees if they are willing to take vacation time and 85% have voluntarily participated to help keep the agency afloat in tough times. She noted that the suspension is in no way of reflection of them not wanting to run the business, but rather they are trying to be responsible and good stewards of money. She also said once the agency gets past the budget impasse, they will be in growth mode.

Bateman inquired what it would cost to run if administration costs were cut to "bare bones" to make it work. Ruben replied that there is nothing to give up until the grant comes. Hepler stated that the Executive Committee would be gathering as much information as is possible (about the issue) in the next week.

[Angela Reiners]

Related information:

[Aug. 20, 2015 - Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 2042 today, which appropriates money for the pass through of federal dollars without adding to the state’s budget deficit. The clean bill allows the state to provide some services to the state’s most vulnerable citizens.]
                          - From the office of the Governor

Past related article:

Logan County Public Transportation looking to grow