Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) - It was an emotional evening at the Sioux Falls City Council. The issue: raising fees for paratransit services. The discussion ran more than an hour as the Mayor and Councilmembers heard input from tthe public and discussed the matters at hand. City Transportation Planner Sam Trebilcock briefed the system challenges for the Council, as those affected by the first proposed increase in 20 years made their case for a NO vote. Fighting back tears, Councilor Kenny Anderson, Junior said he was one of the first drivers hired for the City paratransit system, and this was a tough vote for him.
The vote was 7 to 1 approving the hike from $2.00 per ride to $2.50. Councilor Rick Kiley cast the lone NO vote. The increase will raise an additional 60 thousand dollars. The council also approving an amendment by Councilman Kermit Staggers earmarking that any extra funds raised by the increase go back into the program.