MARATHON COUNTY — The Marathon County Health and Human Services Committee voted by voice to authorize staff to apply for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs County Transportation Grant, a reimbursable program that county staff said could help provide free rides to VA medical appointments for veterans and expand service into rural areas.

Health and Human Services staff told the committee the county plans to use the veterans grant to supplement its existing 85.21 specialized transportation assistance program. "We are eligible to receive $366,000, of which the county brings forward a 20% match at $73,000," a county staff member said, referring to the 85.21 program available for elderly and people with disabilities. Staff said the veterans grant is a separate, reimbursable award; the state has advertised up to $200,000 available statewide among all counties and awards will depend on demonstrated need.

Committee members asked how rides to the VA would be scheduled and provided. Administrator Leonard noted MetroRide does not currently serve the VA directly because it is outside MetroRide’s service area; staff said MetroRide could transport veterans to North Central Healthcare and North Central could then take them to VA appointments, and that agencies are open to discussing future service expansion. North Central Healthcare estimated it now provides rides to the VA for about 6 to 10 veterans per week, staff said.

The Transportation Coordinating Committee reviewed the proposal on Oct. 23 and recommended advancing it to Health and Human Services. The committee approved staff’s motion to apply by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript. Staff said the application deadline is Dec. 1, 2025, awards are expected in early 2026, reimbursements would be processed quarterly, and — because the county did not include the grant in the 2026 budget — any award would prompt a separate budget modification when amounts are known.

Supporters said the grant could reduce out-of-pocket fees for veterans who currently pay a small fare through the 85.21 program. Officials cautioned that the statewide pot is divided among 72 counties, so award amounts are not guaranteed and will depend on the county’s demonstrated need.

Staff pledged to report back to the committee on the outcome of the application and any recommended budget adjustments.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to authorize application to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs County Transportation Grant: approved by voice vote; further details and award amounts to be reported to the committee if successful.