Burke County commissioners adopted several transit-related policies and approved a contract change affecting transportation services during their July meeting.

The board adopted the Burke Transit ADA policy to maintain compliance with federal Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, a step county staff said is necessary to continue receiving federal transit funding. Commissioners also approved a state-recommended unruly-passenger policy for transit operations; staff said local transit staff already handle unruly passengers but that the statewide policy provides standardized procedures.

The county also adopted a procurement-policy update required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Staff confirmed that the county's existing purchasing practices met or exceeded federal standards and that the update is primarily verbiage to keep records current for grant compliance.

Finally, the board approved a change in subcontracting for Department of Human Services transportation reimbursements: Heart of Georgia Regional Commission is no longer the subcontractor and DHS funds for transportation services for certain clients will go to Vrida Incorporated under the new arrangement. Commissioners approved accepting Vrida as the transit subcontractor for DHS reimbursements.

A separate consulting-services procurement for a radio-system upgrade was tabled at the 911 director's request to allow additional review.

Staff and commissioners said these actions preserve federal funding eligibility and align local policies with state guidance; the board assigned follow-up tasks to staff to file updated policies and execute contracts.