DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Amend Budget To Transfer Funds From Transportation Capital Improvement Program Transit Set Aside To Social Services Jail Transportation Project
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize budget amendment to transfer $145,000 of funding from the Transportation Capital Improvement Program Transit Set Aside (ST00005) to the Community Services Jail Transportation Project.
SUMMARY
The Jail Transportation Pilot began in 2018 to address the critical need for transportation services for recently released inmates from the Dakota County Jail. It was created to fill a gap in available transportation resources in Hastings, ensuring that individuals released from jail had a reliable and safe means of getting to their next destination. The pilot was implemented and refined through three phases from 2018 to 2023:
• Phase I: Transit Link (April 2018-Sept. 2019): Through a partnership with the Metropolitan Council, Transit Link made several scheduled pickups each weekday at the Dakota County Jail. GoTo cards were distributed to individuals, allowing them to access the Transit Link service for transportation to their destinations. This initiative was funded by Dakota County Community Corrections.
• Phase II: DakotaLink (Sept. 2019-March 2021): Dakota County Community Services Administration contracted with the Hastings Bus Company to provide transportation for individuals traveling to and from court in Hastings, as well as for recently released individuals needing a ride home.
• Phase III: Lyft (March 2021-Sept. 2023): Dakota County Social Services partnered with a call center to handle ride requests and with Lyft to offer rideshare services for individuals recently released from jail. The call center was funded through the Minnesota Department of Transportation 5310 Grant, while the rides were supported by the Community Services Budget Incentive Plan funding.
The Jail Transportation Program was established in September 2023. The service now provides free transportation for individuals recently released from jail within a 24-mile radius of the Dakota County Jail, taking individuals to their destinations or to a transit hub where they can access public transportation. Initially contracted with Lyft through July 2024, the program now partners with Uber for ride services. Each month, an average of 140 riders rely on the program to reach destinations that are an average of 20.2 miles from the Dakota County Jail. The typical cost for a ride is $42. Notably, over 24 percent of riders indicate they would have to walk to their destination without the program, while another 56 percent are uncertain how they would get home.
At the February 11, 2025, Physical Development Committee of the Whole, the Transportation Department presented a draft Transit Work Plan for Board input and discussion. The Work Plan identified supporting the Jail Transportation Program with available Transportation Capital Improvement Program Transit Set Aside funds (ST00005) to provide a stable funding source for the program. The discussion indicated consensus to move forward with this proposal.
The Jail Transportation Program has an annual cost of approximately $145,000. Costs incurred by Social Services have typically totaled $120,000 for Uber and $23,200 for call center services, with an additional $1,800 in costs for bus passes covered by the Sheriff’s Department.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommend amending the 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Budget through a transfer of $145,000 to the 2025 Social Services budget to continue operation of the Community Services Jail Transportation Project.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Program includes $420,000 for Transit Service Expansion, funded with Sales and Use Tax funds. A budget amendment is needed to transfer $145,000 from the Transportation CIP to Social Services.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☒ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) established the Transit Service Expansion Capital and Operating Set Aside (ST0005) to support County identified transit needs and priorities; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Jail Transportation Program was established to address the critical need for transportation services for recently released inmates from the Dakota County Jail; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Jail Transportation Program provides free transportation for individuals recently released from jail within a 24-mile radius of the Dakota County Jail, taking individuals to their destinations or to a transit hub where they can access public transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Jail Transportation Program does not have a permanent funding source; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners discussed and directed staff to utilize the 2025 Transit Service Expansion Capital and Operating Set Aside (ST00005) in the Transportation CIP to fund the Jail Transportation Program during the February 11, 2025, Physical Development Committee of the Whole; and
WHEREAS, a budget amendment is needed to transfer funds from ST00005 to the Jail Transportation Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Program is hereby amended as follows:
Expense
Transit Service Expansion Set-aside (ST00005) ($145,000)
Total Expense ($145,000)
Revenue
Sales & Use Tax ($145,000)
Total Revenue ($145,000)
; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2025 Social Services operational budget is hereby amended as follows:
Expense
Jail Transportation Program $145,000
Total Expense $145,000
Revenue
Sales & Use Tax $145,000
Total Revenue $145,000
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Joe Morneau