The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa Transit Authority is making some changes, including the eliminating their full-drivers.

Ottumwa Transit Authority Director Pam Ward said they currently have only three full time drivers, one of which is retiring soon.

This leaves two drivers who will see hours and benefits cut.

Ward said the changes ensure they will not have to layoff any drivers or raise rates.

“The changes that we have should save us on some overtime, should reduce some of our personnel costs and help us close the gap between the revenue’s we’ve lost and our operating costs,” Ward said.

However, the driver losing their benefits and seeing their hours cut are not very happy.

They said they are having a hard time understanding why it is only them having their hours reduced when Director Pam Ward saw a 23% salary increase and the program received federal stimulus money.

“I am not feeling too good about everything you know. But like I say, I am not the kind of person who won’t stand around and take it.  I will get questions, I’ve talked to the City Administrator, I have talked to the union and we are all working on it,” said Driver Bill Musgrove.

Ward said it was not an easy decision.

She said they will lose $64,000 in state transit assistance over the next two years. 

Ward said eliminating the two full-time drivers' health insurance coverage will save the Ottumwa Transit Authority more than $20,000 annually.