Lewis board OKs bus system

LOWVILLE — As expected, Lewis County legislators at a special meeting Wednesday formally endorsed the start of a county bus system, possibly sometime next month.

Legislators, by 10-0 votes, authorized creation of a public transportation system and approved entering a contract with Birnie Bus Service Inc., Rome, and the Oneida-Lewis chapter of NYSARC Inc. to provide that service.

"This first phase is not costing the county a cent," County Manager David H. Pendergast said.

NYSARC contracts with Birnie to transport its program participants on seven different bus routes each weekday, all of which come into Lowville. Two buses make round trips to Carthage and Boonville each day, while single buses go to Harrisville, Copenhagen and Brantingham.

The plan is to allow county residents along those routes — or within three-quarters of a mile from them — to ride by calling a Birnie dispatcher ahead of time, plus add a new, continuous bus loop that would take riders to various locations in and around the village.

Opening the buses to the public would allow Birnie to request mileage reimbursement through a state Department of Transportation program, county Planner Sarah J. Bullock said.

Several details, including the fare schedule and designated bus stops, must be worked out before public busing can start.

"We're looking for a hopefully mid-July startup," Mr. Pendergast said.

Mrs. Bullock said she and the county manager have spoken to several senior citizen groups about the proposed service and have been well-received.

"This will allow them to be more independent and get around the community," she said.

New routes could be added if the demand arises, Mrs. Bullock said.

"I'm really enthusiastic and pleased about this," said Legislator Philip C. Hathway, R-Harrisville.

Along with increasing the mobility of senior citizens and other residents, county officials expect the proposed system to provide a savings to taxpayers by better coordinating county-funded transportation services.

Legislators on Wednesday also held a public hearing on a proposed law authorizing the consolidation of Public Health into Lewis County General Hospital but tabled the matter until their next meeting.

State Department of Health officials last week sent the county a letter suggesting they obtain more information before approving the proposed move, but they didn't identify specific issues, Mr. Pendergast said. He recommended that legislators take no action until county and state officials have a chance to meet.

"It's not our intention of combining it if we'd lose any state funding," said Legislator Charles R. Fanning, R-Copenhagen, chairman of the legislative Public Health Committee.

Legislators on Wednesday also approved the refilling of a licensed psychologist position at Mental Health and created three correction officer/sergeant positions at the Sheriff's Department while abolishing three correction officer positions to provide more accurate Civil Service titles.