ERIE — During their most recent meeting, the Neosho County commissioners heard from representatives of SEKCAP Transportation on the current status of operations, which provides public transportation services to the county.
Neosho County pledged just over $14,727 toward services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This is the same amount pledged for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, according to District 3 Commissioner Gail Klaassen.
“Basically, the money has run out,” Christiansen said. “So, we’re looking at a potential shutdown in mid-December.”
Christiansen said the organization is seeking donors to help continue funding the program through the year. SEK-CAP Transportation also sold ad space on its vehicle to the City of Chanute, which was supposed to equal a $5,000 donation. However, those funds have been taxed as income by the IRS, which decreases the usable funds by 23%, which has caused an issue, according to Community Engagement Coordinator Casey Brown.
SEK-CAP Transportation operates several free or lowcost transportation programs throughout Southeast Kansas. The programs are primarily funded by grants and donations from the municipalities and the county that the program serves. Similar programs exist in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, and Montgomery County. Labette County’s program has recently been suspended.
Christiansen requested a letter of support from the commissioners for the next fiscal year, which is required for upcoming grant applications.
According to SEK-CAP Community Engagement Coordinator Casey Brown, the program requires 30% or $40,000 of local funds for operation. In Neosho County, the program operated five days a week, but Brown said other options, such as decreasing the days of service, could be considered.
Commissioners requested additional information, and SEK-Transportation is set to return at the next Neosho County Commission meeting.
In new business, commissioners opened bids to remove the North Island Bridge on Veterans Road, which collapsed earlier this year.
“This bridge will be replaced through the local bridge improvement program that we got funding for,” Road and Bridge Director Mike Brown said. According to Brown, $3.1 million in funding will be received for this project.
Commissioners voted to accept a bid of $25,000 from Mission Construction.
Commissioners also voted to issue a check to Purple Wave in the amount of $43,450 to purchase a plow truck and a bucket truck for the road and bridge department.
In other business, a new fund was opened for County Attorney Tiana McElroy to pay various application fees.
The next county commission meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. in the Neosho County Courthouse. Agendas can be viewed at www. neoshocountyks, and meetings are livestreamed to the Neosho County Commission YouTube Channel.
