Iroquois County officials warn rural transportation program faces driver shortage and a $60,000 funding gap

Iroquois County leaders told the county board March 5 that the county's rural transportation program is short of drivers and faces a funding shortfall that officials estimate at about $60,000 if matching contracts are not secured.

Committee members described ongoing efforts to partner with local health provider IMH and a regional operator (referred to in the meeting as Futures) to build a sustainable local service. Staff said key barriers include recruitment of drivers, the need for a full-time dispatcher (a position the grant would fund), and the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid billing and reimbursement. Officials warned there is a timing risk: matching funds and contract arrangements must be in place in coming weeks to prevent a budget crisis tied to existing grant commitments.

The committee also reported acquisition of three new buses, including accessible vehicles, but emphasized that vehicles alone will not solve operational shortfalls without drivers and billing arrangements. Staff said they will reach out to hospital leadership and regional partners to clarify billing mechanics and to pursue matching contracts; county representatives said they will attend upcoming regional meetings and attempt to secure required funding and contractual arrangements.

Board members described the situation as high risk for continuity of service and asked staff to prioritize matching contracts and driver recruitment ahead of a potential June deadline tied to contractual obligations.