Taxi ride subsidy will continue

Representatives from Northeast Iowa Community Action and Hometown Taxi met with the Decorah City Council Monday night to discuss their request for $14,000 to help pay for that agency's program that subsidizes taxi cab rides for seniors.

The agency's application for the funding could not be found in time for the city council's budget hearing last month. 

Monday night NEICAC Executive Director Mary Ann Humpal told city officials the city's $14,000 subsidy is matched by $14,000 in NEICAC funds.  Over 1,500 taxi riders each month use the reduced fare coupons issued by NEICAC.

Humpal says other taxi companies besides Hometown Taxi are eligible to participate, but qualifying companies must have a $1 million insurance policy and must do random drug testing of employees.

City council member Jody Niess praised the work of Hometown Taxi, saying, "You provide excellent service."