During a recent county government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the county's transit budget and management structure. The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year is set at $617,974, a stark increase from last year's $379,226. This has sparked frustration among county property owners who feel they are being taxed for a bus service that is not adequately provided.

One commissioner highlighted that only two out of three commissioners could approve bus service routes to Spokane, a move that many present opposed. The discussion also revealed plans for hiring additional staff and constructing a new maintenance building for the transit system, which would further inflate the budget.

Criticism was directed at the current organizational structure, which features two layers of management for a department consisting of just seven employees. This inefficiency prompted calls for the county to divest from the transit center entirely, suggesting that doing so would alleviate the tax burden on residents, particularly retirees.

Another commissioner echoed these sentiments, proposing a joint powers agreement with local cities to take over the transit service. This approach would shift the financial responsibility to the cities, which are seen as the primary beneficiaries of the service. The commissioner emphasized that the transit service is not mandated by the state, questioning the rationale behind the county's involvement.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions with city officials regarding the future of the transit service, as the current funding model and management structure remain contentious issues among county leaders and constituents alike.