Fairhope council approves filing for senior transportation grant, seeks 20% city match

The Fairhope City Council voted to file an application for fiscal-year 2026 transportation assistance under “section 53 10,” seeking funds to replace the city’s senior services bus and to continue transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities. The council opened and closed a required public hearing on the application and then authorized staff to submit the packet before the July 31 application deadline. Paige (staff member) told the council the existing vehicle, received under a prior award and in city ownership, has increasing maintenance needs and that the estimated bus cost is roughly $160,000 with an 80/20 grant split that would require a city commitment of about $32,605. "The bus is ours actually, free and clear," Paige said, adding that the program serves the whole city though it is managed from the James P. Nick Center. Mayor Sherry Sullivan, who said she worked at the senior center when the first bus was bought, described the program’s nontransportation benefit: companionship and regular contact for isolated residents. "This is just also really great for people who have mental health issues…this may be the only person they see all week," she said. Kim Ralland, identified in the packet as the Nick Center senior services manager, and other staff said the new vehicle option would include easier entry for passengers, replacing steep steps with a low-floor or zero-entry configuration to ease access for seniors carrying groceries or needing mobility assistance. Council members did not identify an alternate funding source during the hearing and approved filing the application by voice vote. If the grant is awarded, the council will be asked later to approve the exact match amount and any related budget appropriation.

Ending — The application deadline is July 31; staff said they would return to council with final contract and budget language if the award is offered.