W. Dundee trying to get ride program into budget

West Dundee village leaders will take a closer look at its budget before contributing to a program that provides on-demand transportation for seniors, low-income and disabled residents in Dundee Township.

Village trustees on Monday said it could not commit to its $7,400 share for the Ride in Kane program until after its March 21 budget meeting, though staff has already incorporated the township's request into the village's 2009-2010 budget.

"Seniors, low-income and disabled residents benefit from this program," Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said before the meeting. "In these tough economic times, these are the types of programs that we need to maintain."

Village board members were supportive of the service.

"This is not one of those handout programs," Village President Larry Keller said. "It is a helping hand program so people have the opportunity to have transportation ... and become a more viable citizen."

The current agreement expired in February.

Launched in February 2008, the Ride in Kane program provides between 400 and 600 rides per month. More than 200 township residents use the service to travel to work, doctors appointments and local retailers. Rides cost $3 for the first 10 miles and $1.50 per mile, thereafter.

The township earlier this year asked village boards in Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee and Sleepy Hollow to contribute a total of $58,000 to help the township match a $90,000 federal transportation grant. A $32,000 subsidy through the Regional Transportation Authority helped offset part of the match.

So far, East Dundee and Sleepy Hollow have agreed to contribute to the program. Meanwhile, a slim majority of the Carpentersville village board denied a request for $13,412 - or more than 23 percent of the total.

Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Harney said residents will still have access to rides, though it could mean decreased services.

"It will continue and the township is going to do what we can with whatever we have," Harney said. "The federal grant will match whatever amount we come up with ... but whatever the municipalities don't contribute, the grant will not match."

Harney said she will address the Carpentersville board at its next meeting.