Marshall County Council on Aging reports record transportation numbers in first quarter

The Marshall County Council on Aging is providing more transportation services than ever before, according to Executive Director Janis Holiday, who presented the agency's first-quarter report to the commissioners last week.

Holiday reported that the Council on Aging provided 7,418 trips during the first quarter of 2026 — an increase of 277 trips over the fourth quarter of 2025 and a jump of 821 trips compared to the same period in 2025. A total of 54,702 miles were driven during the quarter.

The agency also saw its ride denial rate drop significantly, falling from 44 denials in the fourth quarter of 2025 to just 29 in the first quarter of 2026. Holiday credited the improvement to new scheduling software that allows the agency to more efficiently double up on rides and maximize vehicle usage.

On the financial side, first-quarter expenses totaled $147,235 while income came in at $14,531, leaving a net expense of $132,704. The agency's claim to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will be $66,352, and the State Transportation Fund is expected to cover $14,000, leaving a local match responsibility of $52,352.

Looking ahead, Holiday noted that the grant application for the 2027 operating budget is due May 15th. The agency is requesting an operating budget of $726,822 for the coming year, with estimated revenues of $64,000. That leaves a combined federal share and local match of approximately $331,411 — roughly a 7% increase over the 2026 request.

In operational news, Holiday informed the commissioners that the Council on Aging began extended service hours at the start of the second quarter, now operating from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The agency also announced plans to seek two replacement vehicles and one expansion vehicle this year to support its growing transportation demand.