City looks at funding North Central Montana Transit

North Central Montana Transit will likely get funding from the city of Havre next year.

The transit system asked for help from the city so it can continue to provide transit services in the city, to other Hi-Line communities and to Great Falls.

The city once provided funds, but strapped for cash, stopped the subsidy some years ago.

In a letter to City Council, Jim Lyons, the director of transportation for the transit system, asked the city to resume paying the $15,000 per year, pointing to the increase in services the system provides and the number of people it serves.

More than 114,000 people have been served by the system since it was founded in August 2009, he said.

The service now provides routes within the city as well as communities ranging from Fort Belknap to Havre.

Mayor Tim Solomon asked council members Monday night what they thought of the transit system's request, given that "we have more requests than we have budget."

Solomon is preparing next year's city budget, and said he was looking for direction from council members.

The response from council was very pro-transit system.

Council member Jay Pyette said he realized that money was tight, but the transit system, has proven its value, and it ought to survive the necessary cuts.

"To me, this service is invaluable," Pyette said.

His comments got an immediate second from Council Member Allen "Woody" Woodwick, and other council members nodded in agreement.

In other business, council delayed action on a request from Triple Dog Brewing Co. The brewery would like the city to vacate its right-of-way to a path next to the brewery. The brewery wants to expand its parking lot.

The matter was referred to the council's Streets and Sidewalks Committee.