Commission OKs replacement Ford F550 for transit; public urges larger fleet funding commitment

The Sandusky City Commission on March 24 authorized purchase of a medium-class Ford F550 through Michigan’s extended purchasing program for the city transit system.

Transit Director Stacy presented the item and said the F550 is a replacement vehicle; the purchase is part of a plan to replace older buses (two 2010 vehicles and four 2015 vehicles among those noted). He said the floor plan seats 32 passengers with two wheelchair securements; that configuration yields about 28 seats plus two wheelchair positions. Stacy said the vehicles will increase service capacity and allow more rides on fixed-route lines.

Commissioners recorded the ordinance’s adoption on a unanimous roll call of those present. Stacy said the purchase is roughly 80% federally funded and that he is pursuing pre-award authority for additional vehicles in the next federal fiscal cycle.

At the public-comment period, Bridal McCormack of West Monroe Street urged the commission to set aside local matching funds so the transit system can pursue state grants. McCormack cited the city’s $32 million general-fund budget and a $6.6 million starting cash balance and argued reserving 1–2% (he used 1% and 2% scenarios in examples) would allow the transit department to match state funds and accelerate fleet replacement.

The ordinance directs the city manager to proceed with acquisition through the extended purchasing program and to apply federal funds and local match as available; staff noted the purchase replaces aging units and will add capacity on fixed routes.