Burke County commissioners adopted updates to transit policies and approved contract changes to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements for transit funding.

The board voted to adopt the Burke Transit ADA policy to remain consistent with federal Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and maintain federal funding. Commissioners also adopted a state-recommended unruly-passenger policy intended to standardize handling of disorderly riders across transit systems; staff said the policy is consistent with how the county already manages unruly passengers.

Because federal transit funding (FTA) requires specific procurement policies and a separate drug-testing policy for transit employees, the board approved a transit FTA procurement policy update and acknowledged the county’s existing purchasing practice remains compliant. County staff explained the update is a documentation and filing requirement for FTA and GDOT and does not change day-to-day procurement practice.

The board approved a change in the contract flow for DHS client transport: Heart of Georgia Regional Commission is no longer the subrecipient and the Department of Human Services is contracting with Vrida Incorporated (referred to in meeting as 'Vrida') to provide transport services for DHS clients; commissioners approved accepting Vrida as the contractor.

The board also approved a nutrition services contract with Georgia Food Services to provide senior meals through the regional commission’s selected vendor at $6.67 per meal.

Why it matters: adoption of these policies keeps the county eligible for federal transit funds and clarifies rules for passenger conduct and procurement. The contract changes affect how DHS client transport reimbursements will flow to the county’s transit provider.

Next steps: staff will file the FTA procurement policy with the appropriate state and federal authorities and finalize the contract changes with Vrida and Georgia Food Services.