By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The Otter Express bus service, operated for many years in Otter Tail County by Fergus Falls-based Productive Alternatives, is shifting to a proposed Joint Powers Board.

Completion of the changeover from Productive Alternatives to a Joint Powers Board will not take place until June 30, 2026.  Until then, grant applications need to be completed through the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).

Otter Tail County has approved participation in the Otter Express Joint Powers Board along with other communities across the county. Nearby Wilkin County also will be part of the Otter Express Joint Powers Board.

County commissioners point out that public transportation and bus service is very important to this area of west central Minnesota. Commissioners who will serve as voting members of the Joint Powers Board include Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie, Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood and Dan Bucholz of Perham.

Alternates to serve on the Otter Express Joint Powers Board include County Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom and County Highway Engineer Krysten Foster.

Board members and alternates, when needed, will oversee all aspects of Otter Express operations and planning. They will hire and supervise executive staff.

Other board responsibilities will include approving and monitoring annual budgets and financial reports, setting and revising routes, schedules and fares, managing federal, state and local funding and grant compliance, engaging stakeholders through public meetings and adopting policies on safety, equity, accessibility and sustainability.