MADISON, Neb. -- After receiving an update from North Fork Area Transit, Madison County Commissioners say they aren't ready to fund the service again. 

Tuesday saw the Madison County Commissioners receive an update from NFAT.

The transit service was caught up in a scandal involving its Former General Manager Jeffery Stewart, who was accused of embezzling $750,000. This led to NFAT requiring additional funding from the community to reopen its services.

Now almost a year later, the transit service is asking for more community funding. Jan Einspahr, who represented the NFAT board said the need for public transportation is not going away.

"There are people in our community that that (public transportation) is the only way they can get around and stay somewhat independent," Einspahr said. 

The service is looking to secure around $378,250 in local funds. Doing so would give them $2.1 million in state and federal grants.

Einsphar met with commissioners to open up a dialogue for potential county backing.

Back in 2022, Madison County awarded $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to NFAT. However, since this money was caught in the alleged embezzlement the county says they aren't willing to risk taxpayer dollars again. 

"Unfortunately we had a history with this," said Commissioner Chairman Troy Uhlir. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I don't feel that it's a necessary thing, but I think we're caught over a barrel here with what we've done...we don't know where we're going to land with this thing with what happened prior." 

Uhlir also stated that their original agreement was one-time-only, and that they were not obligated to more funding.

He did, however, commend the changes NFAT had made since the news broke and acknowledged their work towards rebuilding bridges with the community.