-Messenger file photo
A Dodger Area Rapid Transit bus is parked along South Sixth Street in downtown Fort Dodge in May 2020. The bus system is facing financial challenges as the city reviews its budget.
-Messenger file photo
A Dodger Area Rapid Transit bus is parked along South Sixth Street in downtown Fort Dodge in May 2020. The bus system is facing financial challenges as the city reviews its budget.
The bus system that serves Fort Dodge saw a significant drop in ridership last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is also struggling to recruit drivers.
“We cannot even get anyone to apply,” said Kathryn Pfiffner, the executive director of Pathfinders Strategic Partners, which manages the bus system for the city.
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The Fort Dodge City Council will continue to review the proposed 2021-2022 budget, and then turn its attention to a new police contract and other business this evening.
The council’s budget workshop will begin at 5 p.m.
It will review the spending plans for Dodger Area Rapid Transit, human resources, the Municipal Building, information technology and employee benefits. There will also be a review of the general fund, which pays for police and fire protection and many other government functions. The proposed property tax levy will also be introduced.
At 6 p.m., the council’s regular business meeting will begin.