FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The recent troubles at the Ottumwa Transit Authority might just not affect those in Ottumwa. 

Neighboring counties are starting to worry that if the Iowa Department of Transportation does not renew the contract with the Ottumwa Transit Authority at the end of June, 10-15 Transit, the regional transportation service for 11 Southeast Iowan counties could be affected.

Currently, O-T-A operates 10-15 transit under a contract.  But with the troubles O-T-A has seen in the past few weeks that could change.  The Ottumwa City Council just voted this past Tuesday to take over O-T-A which places the department under control of the city.

Jefferson County Supervisor Lee Dimmitt told KTVO Monday that the 10-15 transit board will meet Thursday to discuss hiring legal counsel and what the future holds for 10-15 if O-T-A’s contract is not renewed.

“One option is for 10-15 transit to continue its relationship with O-T-A, which I think we would pretty much be able to do, and it would be the most seamless. Another option is to find another independent contractor like O-T-A that would do what O-T-A did and enter into those arrangements,” said Dimmitt.

Dimmitt took a few moments to speak about former O-T-A director Pam Ward.

“I don’t believe that there was any criminal intent on Pam Ward’s part at all. Obviously, there were some violations regarding school bus transportation and other issues regarding numbers. Her intent was to provide as much service as she could provide and generate as much income for O-T-A and 10/15 transit. There was no personal gain on her part. Obviously there were judgment issues, but my heart of hearts says there was no criminal intent on her part what-so-ever,” said Dimmitt.

Again, the meeting of the 10-15 transit board will be Thursday at Indian Hills Community College at 11:00 a.m.  The public is welcome to attend, but the meeting could go into special session which excludes the public.