County eyes plan for public transit

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners agreed to further discuss a plan that could eventually lead to public transit in this county.

The board agreed to eye the plan to set up a transportation authority, complete with a full-time assistant, at an overall cost of $83,442. Of that amount, $67,331 would come from state funding, while the other $16,111 would come from county coffers, County Manager Don Adams told the commissioners. That budget was based on today's figures, Adams said, noting that the figures will most likely change somewhat by next budget year.

"It's not going to be a dramatic change," he said.

The state pays for 90 percent of the cost of the vans, as well as 90 percent of other capital purchases. The state will pay for 85 percent of the project's administration cost.

The cost of setting up an office for the new authority, purchasing equipment needed for the office and other related expenses, such as rent, would be included in the amount.

Capital purchases would include a $900 copier, two computers for $1,700, a fax machine and stand for $150, two printers for $900, two filing cabinets for $350 and desks, chairs and calculators at a cost of $950. Utility costs of $11,000 are also figured into the cost of the service to pay for electricity, fuel oil and water and sewer service.

The assistant's salary would be $16,782 per year under the plan, while the administrator would make $21,431, Adams said. Both positions would have insurance and retirement benefits.

The new department would also need office space, which could be garnered from the former Appalachian District Health Department Business Office near Crouse Park, which is owned by Bill Blevins.
 
 

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