Citizens hoping to see a transit busing system for years to come attended a
Monday
meeting in Vernal where Basin officials explored the future funding of the BTA. After listening to public comment in support of the service, public officials discussed the funding and tried to get to the root of why funding is in question. Duchesne County Commissioner and UBAOG Chairman Ron Winterton stated that Duchesne County is not considering dropping the bus system and noted that while Uintah County voters did not pass Prop 1 in the 2015 election, Duchesne County voters had and that money provides funds for local transit. The discussion also explored which entities are currently funding the BTA and opinions were expressed that Vernal City should contribute to the service. Vernal City Councilman Bert Clark said that Vernal City feels that they are being represented through mineral lease monies allocated through the Special Service District and therefore funding should come from the Special Service District. Clark also explained that with the downturn in the economy sales tax are down making it difficult to increase funding to BTA. Later in the meeting, Uintah County Commissioner Mike McKee explained that transportation special service districts are mandated to provide transportation for unincorporated areas of the county, not within city limits and concluded that Vernal City will need to contribute funds in order to continue bus service. No final decisions were made during the meeting and a Uintah County/City meeting will be held next week to continue the discussion.
