Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

FROM:

Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

CC:

Robert A. Nugent, Public Transit Administrator

DATE:

May 27,  2014

RE:

Johnson County Request to Participate in Funding the K-10 Connector Service

 

Background

In June 2013, staff prepared a memo summarizing a request from Johnson County for the City of Lawrence to participate in funding of the K-10 connector bus route, which runs between Johnson County and Lawrence.  During discussions about the 2014 budget process, the City Commission requested more information about other potential partners to share in funding, specifically possible participation from the University of Kansas and Johnson County Community College.  Also, $120,000 was placed in the 2014 budget for the City of Lawrence, but the funds have not been authorized for expenditure, pending the partnership information. 

 

May 2014 Update:  During discussions with the University of Kansas in fall 2013, the University suggested an update to the ridership survey.  That survey was completed in November 2013. 

 

Recently, the City received a formal response from the University of Kansas indicating that it was unable to participate in funding for the K-10 connector.  Also, the City received an update from Johnson County.  The update indicated that Johnson County Community College also responded that funding was not available for the K-10 connector.  Previously, the City of Lawrence approached Douglas County regarding participation in the funding and the County declined. 

 

Recommendation

City staff recommends that the City Commission authorize the payment of $120,000 toward funding for the K-10 connector in 2014.  The route appears to be an important link between the Johnson County area and Lawrence. 

 

A request for the funding for the 2015 budget, $200,000, will be a point for discussion during the 2015 budget process.  Staff also wishes to remind the City Commission that the Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) recommended against funding for the K-10 connector, citing local priorities for funding.

 

Requested Action

Authorize the payment of $120,000 to Johnson County toward funding for the K-10 connector transit route for 2014.