Carroll County Transit keeps current hours after strong public support

Carroll County commissioners hosted a public hearing with Carroll County Transit Director Sonja Trbovich Aug. 28 to discuss changes to Carroll County Transit operating hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There was a large amount of public support from seniors, riders and residents to keep the hours the same.

It was unanimously decided that changing the hours would not benefit anyone, and commissioners voted to leave the hours the same.

This discussion arose from a major budget shortfall because of a $77,155 reduction in the 2026 state fiscal year ODOT grant as well as losing the Council on Aging contract, which shifted funding from a higher contract rate to a lower general rate.

Transit Director Trbovich estimated she would need $115,000 to cover the gap for the year, though only about $57,500 upfront due to the state’s fiscal year calendar.

Several were in attendance at the meeting who were against shortening the hours, and Trbovich read several letters from seniors and residents who utilize transit and opposed shorter hours.

Many letters stated if the hours change, they likely would not be able to ride with transit because of early appointments and some later in the day.

Part-time transit driver Larry Strawder attended the meeting and testified that he has had riders tear up and cry because they were afraid they were going to lose a ride.

Resident David Lehman attended the meeting and explained he relies on transit for his appointments.

“For me, a lot of my appointments are not in this local area,” said Lehman. “So the time that it takes for Transit to get me where I need to be, it’s more extensive. So I definitely rely on the Transit because I don’t drive right now.”

Lehman proposed the hours be extended rather than shortened and available on weekends because people have weekend appointments as well as church. The extended hours would help more homebound clients have more opportunities to go out and attend things.

“We have already established that cutting hours is not going to solve the budget problem and [is] counterproductive,” said Commissioner Robert Wirkner. “It opens up a host of other issues, so I want to get out on the record at this point in time for myself, I am not in favor of cutting the hours.”

“I’m not wanting to cut the hours myself,” said Commissioner Donald Leggett II. “When you are trying to make something work, you definitely don’t cut the hours.”

“In my years of being in this office, I’ve never seen this much community engagement on something,” said Commissioner Chris Modranski. “This is really special. But I agree there is no savings by cutting hours. You’re just saving the salary of the employees, but you’re also giving away the revenue that would come in from the riders. It doesn’t make sense to cut the hours, but we’ve got to come up with a way to meet the budget.”

Tonya Myers, director of the Senior Friendship Center, attended the meeting digitally and offered to assist as much as she can through grant recommendations, including a grant network she is looking into.

Myers noted they have received some public backlash regarding ending the contract with transit.

“We are continuing to serve our seniors for transportation,” said Myers. “If I can help guide or connect Transit with any agency or grants we know about, I would be glad to. We want them to have as long hours as possible because it is hard for them to get to those appointments. We did choose not to do the contract. I hate that, I apologize for that, but I run a meal business, not the transportation business.”

Myers, above all, wanted to reassure seniors that they still have transportation rides and nothing is changing at this point. She said to continue scheduling appointments like normal. The Friendship Center is still paying for the transportation and support services at the same hours at this time.

Wirkner acknowledged that since hours aren’t changing, the budget shortfall will have to be addressed.

“I think that what needs to happen now is we begin to address the budget shortfall,” said Wirkner. “I think this is going to be a totality of circumstances, and by that I mean there is not one magic item that will save over $100,000.”

It was brought up again that transit should pursue advertising businesses on their vehicles. Trbovich said she has looked into companies and has one in mind she is going to contact.