Commissioners approve local match for public transportation grants, county to apply for FY27 funds

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the county’s application for fiscal‑year‑27 Community Transportation Program grants to replace vehicles and to fund administrative work, and approved the county’s local match for those grants.

Transportation director (presenter) told the board the department must submit grant applications by early October and outlined three grant elements: a fixed administrative grant to cover staff and benefits; a vehicle capital grant to replace an aging fleet (including replacement of five vehicles lost in the flooding); and one‑time capital for related facility furnishing and equipment tied to a potential new facility. The presenter said the capital grant request includes an allocation for replacement vehicles and two 22‑foot LTVs, plus furniture and baseline technology if the facility move occurs in FY27.

Commissioners voted to approve the required local match for the administrative and capital grants and passed a resolution authorizing the application. The board’s vote followed staff explanation that the federal/state/local match percentages differ by grant element and that some capital items are timed to the county’s potential facility move.

The transportation presenter said the department had already taken delivery of two new transit vehicles and two new minivans; one Helene‑replacement minivan is in body shop after a collision. Commissioners moved and unanimously approved the resolution and the local‑match commitment.

No conditions or special amendments were added to the motion; staff will submit the grant applications and return with updates or requests for contract or budget action as needed.