Commission Will Mull Higher Bus Fares

Higher fares for THE BUS is among topics up for debate at Tuesday's county commission meeting.

The move would bring in some $50,000 of additional revenue, according to a memo to commissioners from county transportation planning staffers.

The current full fare is $1 and 50 cents for children, seniors and the disabled.

If passed, the fares would increase immediately to $1.25 and 60 cents, respectively. After nine months, the fares would rise to $1.50 and 75 cents. A transfer fee of 50 cents would also be put in place for one year.

A monthly pass for full fares would increase in two increments, hitting $30 after nine months. A monthly pass for reduced fares would go to $15 after nine months.

A recent survey of bus riders indicated most could live with higher fares if it meant keeping the same level of service.

The item is scheduled for 10:35 a.m., but agenda times are approximate. The board meets at the Government Center, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville.

Park fees up for debate

The public will get a chance to weigh in on hikes to existing user fees for county parks and facilities Tuesday.

Parks and Recreation Director Pat Fagan's recommendations, among others: a $20 annual fee to sports league members who use county athletic fields: a $5 parking fee for vehicles with boat trailers at four of the county's public boat ramps; and increasing parking fees at Alfred McKethan Park in Pine Island and Rogers Park in Weeki Wachee.

The item is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.

New HR director could be confirmed

County Administrator David Hamilton is asking the commission to approve his pick to head the human resources department.

Cheryl Marsden is currently director of human resources at Black Hawk College in Moline, Ill. She's held the position since April of 2001 and wants to relocate to Florida to be closer to family, according to her application.

Marsden has a bachelor's degree in business from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, and a master's of science degree from Drake University in Des Moines. She was previously an HR generalist for Verizon Communications, formerly WorldCom, in Davenport.

Her extensive HR background would be "a great asset," Hamilton wrote to commissioners in a memo.

Marsden would replace former director Barbara Dupre, who resigned after an investigation by a Tampa law firm found Dupre failed to perform her essential job duties and fostered an atmosphere of widespread dissatisfaction among county employees.

If confirmed, Marsden would begin Nov. 12.