A big budget deficit may force a reduction in Dodger Area Rapid Transit bus service in the next fiscal year.

The DART buses are operated for the city by the MIDAS Council of Governments.

On Monday evening, Shirley Helgevold, executive director of the MIDAS Council of Governments, presented the proposed bus budget to the Fort Dodge City Council.

She said the bus system anticipates about $1.3 million in revenue and about $1.5 million in expenses.

The result, she said, is a deficit of about $196,000.

She said there are three options to plug that budget hole: cut service, raise fares or ask the council for more money.

Mayor Matt Bemrich essentially ruled out the potential for any more money from the City Council.

“I would say you’re probably going to have to cut services,” he said.

As the council continued its review of the proposed 2025-2026 budget, it received presentations on these spending categories.

City Clerk’s Office

Proposed: $225,637

Current: $213,691

Information technology

$186,000, unchanged from the current budget

City Manager’s Office

Proposed: $164,336

Current: $153,381

Human resources

Proposed: $88,689

Current: $90,359

City Attorney

$30,000, unchanged from the current budget

City Council

Proposed: $20,756

Current: $18,956

The next fiscal year will begin July 1.