Last modified: Friday, June 13, 2008 1:20 AM EDT Norfolk looks at bus fees BY JENNIFER HOWARD FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE NORFOLK - While local school committee members are reluctant to alter the busing system, bus fees remain on the table for the school year starting in September. Committee chairman Ross Gilleland said bus fees are eyed as a revenue source because the current 2 percent increase in the school budget is insufficient to maintain services. A proposed Proposition 2 1/2 override would give the school department a 5 percent budget increase. Voters at a June 24 special election face a $414,910 Proposition 2 1/2 override that would provide $290,000 more for the school budget. If the override fails, the school committee faces the following options: leave bus service as is, impose bus fees or eliminate buses entirely for students living within two miles of school. State law requires students living beyond two miles to be bused. Some parents spoke out against fees. Gilleland said the committee will base its decision on the district's long-term finances as well as additional costs incurred by eliminating buses and riders. The committee also intends to consider safety issues, the number of families effected, liability, traffic concerns and community acceptance. Committee member John Olivieri said elimination of buses could pose a safety issue. Buses are "the safest and most cost-effective way to get children to school," Police Chief Charles Stone said. Town Administrator Jack Hathaway posed the option of creating mass bus stops when renewing the bus contract in two years. Central stops could be used in neighborhoods where adequate sidewalks are available, he said.