Director Justin Huss announced at the Oct. 16 Parks Commission meeting that plans for operating a shuttle service at the downhill bike trails at Lake Leatherwood City Park had taken an unexpected sharp turn.
Earlier in the day, Huss met with owners of the Shuttlebug to finalize plans on an arrangement to use the van at LLCP for shuttle runs. Huss said the future partners in the operation became concerned when looking more closely at the business model. Instead, Huss reported, “They want to sell us the Shuttlebug and we should buy it.”
He envisioned selling ads on the sides of the bike trailers to help pay for the vehicle, and knows merchants interested already.
“We’re right back where we started,” Huss remarked because his original plan was to purchase a vehicle and hire drivers. He projected $60,000 annually in operating costs for the shuttle system, but Parks keeps all the revenue.
Commissioner Fergie Stewart was worried about the risk Huss was taking with that particular vehicle and suggested he shop around. Huss replied Parks would be getting a good deal on a late model vehicle partially paid for, and there would be other opportunities to make good use of the vehicle to generate revenue.
He stated it was the right idea to offer free shuttle service for the startup period, but it is time for a change and commissioners would need to hold a special meeting soon to make a decision. Commissioners decided to hold the special meeting Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m., at the Parks office in Harmon Park.