The Johnson County Board of Supervisors held a work session on January 6, 2025, focusing on the budget and various operational updates. A key highlight of the meeting was the unexpected increase in ridership for local transit services, particularly Iowa City Transit, which has seen a notable rise attributed to its free service. Officials noted that this trend mirrored an increase in fixed route services, prompting inquiries from service providers about the reasons behind the surge.

In addition to ridership discussions, the meeting addressed staffing challenges within the transit department. Officials anticipate two retirements this year, with a similar trend expected over the next three years. The department is currently not planning any new programs or services, having recently discontinued same-day service to stabilize operations amid staffing uncertainties.

The meeting also touched on upcoming innovations, including the sheriff's vehicle upfitting project, which aims to enhance efficiency in vehicle repairs and maintenance. The introduction of new software for ride bookings was highlighted as a significant improvement, expected to streamline operations and reduce the workload on staff.

Financially, the department is awaiting reimbursement from the Iowa Department of Transportation, which has been delayed. The expected annual reimbursement is approximately $160,000, with quarterly payments around $40,000. The meeting concluded with no new projects under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) being discussed, indicating a focus on managing existing resources effectively.