I'm not sure I understand the context of your question, Mike.
I'm not trying to assign blame here, or even delve deeply into cause. The fact is that just as the town and RR initially grew together, they also grew apart together - if you know what I'm saying.
My sole point is that from the perspective of the average BV citizen, the RR was a liability to the town, rather than a benefit, and had been for a very long time. Thus, the town's attitude at the time of discontinuance was understandable. You or I can view such an attitude as short sighted or selfish, but it had a measure of justification behind it, and I don't think it useful to hold those formerly prevailing feelings over the town's head today when discussing potential new service which could provide direct benefits.
Scott