During a recent government meeting, officials expressed concerns regarding the allocation of funds for public transportation in Iroquois County. The discussion highlighted a lack of clarity on the number of vehicles that would be provided to the county, with a deadline for information set for August 15 that has yet to be met. Angel Crawford, the IITA director, noted that while substantial funds are distributed across the state, Iroquois County has not received any allocations, raising questions about the county's eligibility for support.

The meeting revealed that the current buses in operation are approximately eight years old, nearing the end of their useful life, which raises urgent questions about future transportation solutions. Officials pointed out that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is a lien holder on the buses, indicating their role in the provision of these vehicles.

A pressing deadline was discussed, with a decision originally required by September 16, later extended to October 31. This timeline is driven by IDOT's need to prepare its budget for fiscal year 2026. However, officials expressed skepticism about the feasibility of meeting this deadline, citing the complexity of the situation and the lack of prior involvement in the service.

Four potential options for addressing the transportation needs were outlined. The first option, for Iroquois County to manage the service independently, was deemed unworkable. The second option, a partnership with Livingston and Ford counties, remains uncertain due to a lack of communication from Livingston County. The third and fourth options involve collaboration with Vermillion or Kankakee counties, with a suggestion for a larger mass transit system that includes multiple counties.

Officials emphasized the need for thorough exploration of these options to determine the best course of action for Iroquois County, acknowledging that this process will require time and careful consideration.