Parks Director Justin Huss said last week he has been busy setting up the shuttle system for the downhill trails, working with businessmen Jim Nelson and Jayme Brandt on an arrangement to use the Shuttlebug at Lake Leatherwood. Huss recommended Parks purchase two specially crafted bike trailers to haul the high-end bikes back to the top of the hill, and mentioned more than 130 people used the shuttle service the previous weekend.
Huss urged commissioners to move forward on a decision on trailers because the ridership indicated revenue potential. Chair Bill Featherstone mentioned Nelson and Brandt plan to reinvest their profits in community projects, and commissioner Cameron Denoewer said his comfort level has grown because he has seen people in grocery stores excited about the bike trails.
Huss was convinced the shuttle would generate enough revenue within a year to fund a staff position. Commissioners voted 4-0 to authorize Huss to spend up to $15,000 on two bike trailers and up to $2000 for ancillary supplies.