East Dundee approves Dial A Ride funding

Not too many decisions in East Dundee require the tiebreaking vote of Village President Jerry Bartels.

But Bartels' vote counted Tuesday to approve a $4,400 contribution to a program that provides transportation services to senior and disabled Dundee Township residents.

Trustees voted 4-3 to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Dundee Township for its Dial A Ride program. Trustees Jeff Lynam, Rob Gorman and Lael Miller voted against the agreement. Bartels and trustees Paul VanOstenbridge, Michael Ruffulo and John Cichowski voted for it.

While those who supported the decision said the contribution is a worthwhile investment, at least one trustee said the program amounted to welfare with taxpayers defraying the cost for services that are provided to few residents.

"If you want to ride the bus, pay the driver," Lynam said. "You are talking about taking public money and providing services to individuals who don't have to pay for it. It only benefits a certain sector of the public."

Lynam said while 14 riders were from East Dundee, five riders made up 72 percent of the total number of rides.

"Those who are riding should pay for the ride," Lynam said. "If you want the service, you should give up the money for the ride. You shouldn't count on your neighbor to pay."

Neighboring towns such as West Dundee and Carpentersville have declined to participate, but Bartels said the $4,400 is a small price to pay.

"It is a worthwhile investment for the services to be available to the village of East Dundee," Bartels said. "The service provides a means of transportation for individuals with disabilities and hardships and allows them to get to their jobs, the doctor, or the grocery store. Rather than follow what the other communities are doing, we are taking a leadership role and taking care of our residents."

In 2009, East Dundee residents took 396 trips at the average cost of $28.02, Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Harney wrote in a letter the village. East Dundee riders comprised about 15 percent of the total number of rides in 2009.

Dundee Township, as well as the Dundee Township Park District will contribute up to $25,000 and $35,000, respectively. A Pace grant for $43,000 and a federal grant for Ride in Kane will also fund the program.