Relaunch of rural bus service sparks heated debate during commissioners meeting

A day after relaunching a rural bus service that voters rejected two years ago, there was a heated exchange at Tuesday’s Dona Ana County Commissioners meeting.

Commissioner Ben Rawson had strong words during the meeting, claiming taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay for a service for which they voted against.

UTEP researchers presented a study to commissioners about the impact of the buses. They claimed a survey found a large number of residents in rural communities would regularly use the service, which will cost the county $800,000 a year.

But Rawson said the study was flawed and showed nothing about the financial impact.

“Mr. chairman, the tax payers said no and you’re ramming it down their throats,” Rawson said.

Chairman Wayne Hancock continuously said he was only supporting the needs of the community.

“My constituents the first item on their list is public transportation first item on their list. I listened to my constituents,” Hancock said.

There were mixed views in the audience, but Hancock wouldn’t allow them to speak.

“We are the people that are paying the tax dollars here we have a right to speak and we also should be asked to come forward,” county resident Joe Cundiff said.

Researchers said the study was only a preliminary presentation. They said they would come back before the commission once they had more data.