11/4/2026 Joint Finance and Planning Zoning Committee Meeting

Waupaca County’s November 4, 2026, special Joint Finance and Planning & Zoning Committee meeting focused on a preliminary discussion of the county’s two transportation programs and potential operational coordination; no merger or spending decision was made. Catch-a-Ride, now a public shared-ride service after its workforce grant ended, receives state and federal support, including 5311 funding. The Department of Human Services’ specialized transportation program serves older adults and people with disabilities, using volunteer drivers reimbursed for mileage and charging rider copays, with assistance available for riders who cannot afford them. Participants discussed possible shared dispatch and resource use while preserving the programs’ distinct services and the specialized program’s volunteer network. Staff said combining operations could allow 85.21 program revenues to count toward the local match for 5311 funding and potentially reduce county costs; the 85.21 application was expected to be due December 19, pending confirmation.

The committee also heard that DHS had solicited proposals for transportation services: the options included continuing the existing in-house service, a proposal from Phoenix, and another proposal whose price was considered too high to pursue. DHS’s board had favored maintaining the current service at that time; no contract award was presented. Committee members generally supported further analysis, including responsibility for administration, service coverage, vehicle and grant restrictions, and the impact on riders. The only motion reported was approval of the meeting agenda; no procurement award or transportation-program action was approved.