Austin appointed as new facilities and transit director following Nabafelt's departure

Dunn County Transit Committee has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Austin as the new director overseeing both transit and facilities operations. This decision comes after the departure of Scott Nabafelt, the former facilities director, who accepted a position in Chippewa County. The committee aims to enhance efficiency and growth within the department by creating a new management layer to support Austin in his expanded role.

Austin, who holds a degree in business management with a construction emphasis, brings valuable experience to the position. His innovative approach is expected to drive improvements in both transit and facilities management. The committee expressed excitement about his leadership potential, emphasizing the need for creative solutions in the face of ongoing challenges.

In addition to the leadership transition, the committee discussed ongoing issues with electric bus procurement. Delays in communication with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) have hindered progress on acquiring new buses and camera systems for the aging fleet. The committee is actively pursuing solutions and plans to engage with other transit agencies to address these challenges.

The discussion also touched on the future of solar panel installations for charging electric buses. While plans are currently on hold, the committee remains committed to exploring this option as technology advances and costs decrease.

As Dunn County Transit navigates these changes and challenges, the focus remains on maintaining a reliable and efficient transit system for the community. The next meeting will provide further updates on these initiatives and the ongoing efforts to enhance transit services.