County nixes subsidy, may reconsiderHow much would you pay to have bus service available?Cities and counties across the Big Horn Basin are trying to figure that one out.

The Big Horn Basin Transportation Authority, a joint powers board made up of representatives from governments around the Basin, is looking for $37,500 from local governments to help subsidize bus service in the area.

The one-time contribution is intended to “kick-start” the Black Hills Stage Lines and the Cody-Lovell shuttle operations in the Basin. The goal is to determine whether permanent service is feasible, said Park County Commissioner Bucky Hall, who represents the county on the transportation authority.

Bus service in the Basin started up again in July after shutting down in late 2007. It was subsidized by a grant from the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Now, the transportation authority is looking for a new source of funding. Thanks to a budget amendment put together by Sen. Ray Peterson, R-Cowley, state money is available. However, because of a drafting error in the Legislator Service Office, there's a catch: the amount of money available is dependent on how much money local governments put in.

The transportation authority tentatively agreed to come up with $37,500 — enough to receive $150,000 in state funds.

The city of Cody has already pledged $3,650.36. The Powell City Council has expressed support for the project, and was scheduled to consider giving $853.45 at Monday night's meeting.

However, the Park County Commission voted not to fund their $4,687 share of the subsidy last week.

At their May 12 meeting, commissioners deadlocked at 2-2; it takes three votes to pass an action. Commissioners Bucky Hall and Tim French voted in favor of providing the money, while Commissioner Jill Shockley Siggins and Chairman Bill Brewer voted against the measure.

(Commissioner Dave Burke was not at the meeting, as he was attending a State Loan and Investment Board meeting in Cheyenne on the county's behalf.)

Citing a tightened economic climate, Brewer said the county will have to cut back on many expenditures in coming years.

“I think it's time we started saying no,” he said.

Shockley Siggins was displeased that no one from the organization came to the meeting.

“We get a lot of requests,” she said. “I need to be able to see somebody from the company.”

From July to February, 183 Park County riders took a ride on the bus.

In supporting the subsidy, Hall noted the bus line also provides freight service.

“I think that would be the primary benefit to Park County,” he said.

French noted that the county already provides subsidies for air travel.

This fiscal year, the county gave $15,000 to the Cody Yellowstone Air Service Organization — a nonprofit group that guarantees revenue for commercial airlines flying in and out Yellowstone Regional Airport.

“These folks that are riding the bus maybe can't afford buying an airplane ticket,” said French.

Shockley Siggins expressed concern that not all private carriers receive subsidies.

“At this time, I'm not supportive of it,” she said of the Black Hills/Palmer Shuttle subsidy. “Maybe I should be, but I'm not.”

The commissioners will have an opportunity to revisit the issue today (Tuesday).

After learning of the commission's decision, the head of the Big Horn Basin Transportation Authority, Basin Mayor Phil Julliard, requested an opportunity to present more information on the subsidy.

Chairman Brewer set aside 15 minutes on Tuesday's schedule, though he doesn't know if he'll change his mind.