Clermont County Commissioners will soon determine a rate increase for Clermont Transportation Connection, and while they have agreed that an increase is needed, they are still deciding on the final numbers.

“We felt we needed a rate increase to be able to function,” Administrator Dave Spinney said about the transportation budget.

Spinney said CTC has been unable to balance its budget for two years, and have been forced to dip into the county’s general fund to pay expenses.

CTC officials, with Spinney’s recommendation, proposed a rate increase over a month ago, and several hearings were held in August to collect public input.

The original proposal was to raise fares an average of $1.25 with exact fares depending the type of service, which includes door-to-door, express routes and local routes.

Ben Capelle, director of CTC, said they received around 70 comments from the public regarding the proposed increase. He said some people completely opposed the increase and others understood rates have to go up eventually. Of those who were OK with an increase, the majority indicated they would only be comfortable paying $.25-$.50 extra per trip.

“Public input pretty much indicated that ($1.25) was too steep,” Spinney said. “And that it would have a significant impact on ridership.”

Commissioners evaluated the public’s input along with other information, and are now looking at either a $.50 or $.75 increase instead of $1.25.

“Based upon the assumptions we made, a $.50 increase would put us in the black but would not provide enough to repay loans,” Spinney said. “A $.75 increase would begin to pay back the loan.”

Commissioners Ed Humphrey and Archie Wilson discussed the two options at their Sept. 14 session.

“I think we should hold off on an increase of the fixed-route,” Commissioner Humphrey said about increasing rates $.75 across the board. “My concern is it will grossly reduce the travelers on that route. I am certainly OK with a raise for door-to-door.”

Commissioner Humphrey said he will not vote for a $.75 increase because he does not want to risk losing passengers. On the other hand, Commissioner Wilson said he would only vote for a $.75 increase.

“I believe that for two years we have not met our budget,” Commissioner Wilson said. “And after two years I have to adjust above.”

Commissioner Bob Proud was not present at the Sept. 14 session, so Spinney said they will wait to vote on the increase until all three commissioners are in attendance.

“It is going to be up to the three of them to determine whether they go with the $.50 or $.75 (increase),” Spinney said.

He said commissioners will decide on a rate increase at their regular session either Sept. 28 or Oct. 5.