Commission reports finalized WisDOT funding and provider shift as budget comes in under forecast

The Oneida Vilas Transit Commission heard a budget update Feb. 27 that included a finalized Wisconsin Department of Transportation award of $176,192 and an operational change in non-emergency transport providers.

Transit Manager Barb Newman told the commission that Wisconsin DOT confirmed the total funding at $176,192, an increase of $1,250 above prior estimates. Newman said fare revenue exceeded budget projections and that Headwaters has been paying $500 a month to keep one bus in service. "Final numbers under revenue show fare revenue is over budget," Newman said.

The commission reviewed full-year 2025 expenditures of $734,446.26 against a budgeted $784,265.58. Newman said salaries, wages and fringe benefits were the commission's largest expense lines and that she would ask the auditors where any surplus should be placed.

Newman also reported a provider change affecting contracted non-emergency transport: the managed care organization Inclusa is "getting out of the transportation business," she said, and MTM will assume that role. Newman said the commission has applied through MTM so it can continue to provide non-emergency transportation services.

Commission members did not take a final policy vote on surplus allocation at the meeting; Newman said she would follow up after consulting auditors. The board scheduled no new meeting date and listed an update on funding sources as a future agenda item.