“So how do you bridge the gap?” he asked. “I’m working on it.”

Downtown business owners have shown interest, he said, and he’s encouraged by the responses he’s gotten. He also wants to apply for federal funds to cover the shortfall. Board member Carolyn Gause asked which days the service would run and MacNeil said likely Thursday to Sunday. Some restaurant owners, however, suggested early in the week when they’re slower and more business travelers are in town, he said.

“Therefore I’m not sure when or how many evenings it would run,” he said, and it largely depends on “how much funds are assembled.” The project would be “a great new perspective” for the city to see what the transportation authority is capable of doing, he said, in moving Florence forward. Board member Nancy Finklea asked about whether the days would vary based on events such as the Southern 500 being in town and MacNeil said it could vary, but they might want to consider staying on a consistent schedule so folks know what to expect.

In reviewing the authority’s finances, MacNeil said there were no issues “of great concern,” and “it’s all pretty straightforward,” as revenues were above budget while expenses were slightly higher than expected for November. (The board did not have a meeting in December.) For November of 2016, year to date there was a surplus of $118,000, he said, but he expects it to “swing the other way” the next few months.

Gause asked about variances and MacNeil said some line items reflected a reimbursement that had yet to be received. Printing and advertising spiked, he said, as the authority printed a new downtown shuttle service schedule and changed the Darlington bus schedule.

“We have to educate the public and spread the word,” he said. “And there’s a price tag for that.”