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Commissioners discuss emergency transport plans; consider MOU with Plevna schools and optional contracts with private bus operators
Summary
County and emergency officials discussed using school‑district buses under an MOU for emergency transportation, how payment would be handled, and whether to also contract with private operators. Commissioners asked staff to draft a flexible MOU covering compensation, mileage and driver qualifications.
Fallon County officials and emergency‑management staff discussed options to secure buses for evacuations or large‑scale transport during emergencies, including an MOU with the Plevna (Plevna/Plevna?) School District and possible agreements with private bus operators.
County staff reported that Plevna school officials said the district owns buses and would consider assistance under an intergovernmental MOU. The board discussed whether a non‑exclusive MOU with the school district would be sufficient, or whether the county should also have tentative contracts with private operators (including a local carrier, represented in the meeting by John) to guarantee capacity. Commissioners noted that MOU language can clarify compensation (miles, driver pay, per‑day rates) and that mutual‑aid arrangements may already cover some uses if requested through DES/mutual aid channels.
John, a local bus operator, said he and his company would be willing to support emergency calls and suggested a day‑rate plus driver compensation may work better than a per‑mile fee in some situations; he also raised operating constraints such as fuel handling and regulatory differences between government and contractor operations. Commissioners discussed typical scenarios — a bus overturning on a long trip, evacuations from a school event, or transporting people from a mass‑gathering — and concluded the county should draft a non‑exclusive MOU with the Plevna School District and also prepare a contract template for private carriers so the county has fallback options if a district cannot respond.
Ending
The county will draft MOU language for commissioner review that (a) describes compensation (mileage/day/driver pay), (b) clarifies insurance and driver‑qualification requirements, and (c) allows multiple MOUs so the county can call whichever provider can respond. County staff will pursue discussions with Plevna School District and local carriers and return with draft documents.
