The McLean County Board on Thursday approved a resolution formalizing an intergovernmental agreement between Connect Transit and the county to provide rural transportation services.
The resolution allows Connect Transit to take control of the county’s rural transportation service. The county will help with policy for hours, services, fares charged and the annual budget.
In June of last year, the board officially withdrew from an intergovernmental agreement [IGA] with ShowBus.
County Board chair Elizabeth Johnston said rather than trying to mold the system into what the board or municipalities may want, the county is taking an “organic” approach to let the program become what riders need.
“When we brought it to Connect Transit, the intention was to replace the current services, and then over the next six months to a year is to really start exploring what other needs are in our rural areas as far as getting to Bloomington-Normal,” Johnston said.
“But also looking at what do we have as far as needs for whether its employment, or if it’s medical or if they need to come in for the grocery store.”
Johnston said another need concerns local veterans who may require transportation to reach the VA clinic.
Johnston expressed excitement at what she referred to as the second phase of the plan, adding there is expected to be leftover funding that could expand service in response to feedback.
“So that does give us a little wiggle room as far as looking at how are we going to expand and to grow and that we still have that available that is coming from the state and not from our tax levy,” she said, adding the new system’s adaptability and customization will be an improvement.
“I’m very excited about that because I do think that there’s a lot of untapped need, the way the system was structured didn’t work for many people,” Johnston said. “So, we are hoping to start with that and at least replace so they know what’s coming and then really start to work with the communities and finding out what their needs are and how best to meet that.”
New jail security measure
Also Thursday, the board approved a contract to retrofit doors at the McLean County Jail to improve safety for corrections staff.
Sheriff Matt Lane said his department sought a solution from Mechanical Services, Inc. for a recurring problem where it was possible for inmates to reach through food slots in cell doors. Lane said one guard discovered this the hard way in the past week.
“His arm was grabbed and pulled inside the cell,” said Lane. “The inmate was trying to break his arm, basically. And that happens on a regular basis.”
Lane called this most recent incident minor, as the officer finished his shift and didn’t miss any work as a result of the altercation. The new doors will be fitted with one-way slots, preventing anyone from reaching through from the inside.
The solution will cost about $53,000 to implement.
Lane also commented on a recent development in the Illinois legislature. In the wake of last year’s killing of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County deputy in Springfield, a bill has passed that would tighten hiring standards for law enforcement, in part by requiring a review of all employment records before a job offer can be made.
The bill awaits the governor’s signature. Lane said many departments already use this kind of vetting procedure, but the bill’s stipulations may make that process easier.
“It actually makes it easier for us to do our job and to do that background check because it requires other agencies to comply and give us information easily and quickly,” Lane said. “It’s a good thing for everybody.”
In other business, the board
- Approved a proposal to add a playground at Comlara Park, expected to be completed by August.
- Approved a project to update and expand pavement on Shirley Road south of Bloomington. The project is expected to go forward in 2027.
