Okaloosa moves to refocus transit on paratransit and authorize route adjustments; cooperative MOU to be dissolved

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday authorized broad administrative flexibility for the county’s airports and transit department to adjust route schedules and service levels based on documented performance, ridership demand, and funding availability as the county transitions away from fixed‑route operations.

Tracy Stage, the county’s Airports and Transit Director, told the board that an invitation‑to‑negotiate (ITN) for new transit operations had been advertised and proposals were due the following day. With the current operating contract expiring Aug. 31, staff said roughly 90 days remained to complete procurement and transition. Stage said the department had identified roughly $200,000 in near‑term general fund savings and that the county intends to focus the next contracted service on paratransit and transportation‑disadvantaged (TD) trips.

Stage asked commissioners to authorize administrative adjustments to routes, to dissolve the Okaloosa County Transit Cooperative MOU (effective Sept. 30, with notice June 1), and to proceed with operational changes needed to make the transit program financially sustainable. Staff explained the cooperative’s bylaws and municipality funding methodology were not completed after the cooperative was established in 2015, and local contributions to fixed‑route operations never materialized as intended.

Commissioners asked questions about continuity for vulnerable riders. Stage and staff said Route 5 — which serves One Hopeful Place (a re‑employment and homeless services partner) — was not slated for the first round of cuts; staff also said paratransit eligibility criteria would allow many fixed‑route riders who lack transportation to request service and that the county would assist with application and outreach. The jail’s re‑entry program will pre‑approve certain releases to the TD program so individuals leaving custody can be provided rides without a 24‑hour lead time.

William Higdon, the new transit division manager, was introduced and said he will focus on safety, reliability and building a service model that can operate on its own funding. The board voted unanimously to give staff the requested authorities and to dissolve the cooperative MOU as described.

Commissioners directed staff to provide outreach materials to affected riders, to coordinate with One Hopeful Place and other partners, and to report back on implementation steps and projected budget impacts.