State funding cuts threaten bus service between Bloomington and Ellettsville

The Monroe County Council this week approved spending $88,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the Ellettsville Town Council is promising $132,000 in funding so its residents can continue using the low-cost rural bus service.

Town council member William Ellis said the board will discuss and vote on the unexpected and unbudgeted appropriation at the Dec. 11 meeting.

He said it may involve some creative financing, since this issue didn't arise until after the 2024 town budget was set.

"I don't see where it is going to come from, but it is something we are going to have to do," Ellis said. "We will be voting, somehow, to fund that service. As of right now, though, we don't know what shape or form it will come in."