The Walworth County Children with Disabilities Education Committee approved a recommendation on May 21, 2025, to award a one-year contract for school bus services to Dousman Bus Company, with the agreement set to run July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and an estimated first-year cost of just over $100,000.

The recommendation, presented during the committee's new-business segment, follows a county RFP process managed with the Walworth County purchasing department. The contract may be renewed for up to four additional years, potentially totaling about $500,000 over the full term; future annual increases would be tied to fuel costs and inflation, capped at 6% with a minimum increase of 2.5%, the presenter said.

Committee members moved and seconded approval of the award recommendation and approved it by voice vote. The committee record shows no reported opposition. The committee chair noted the award recommendation will move to the county finance committee for further action.

The committee did not set a final, per-student or per-trip price in the discussion; the presenter said the first-year figure will vary "depending on student participation and trip needs." The contract language on renewals and annual adjustments was described by staff during the meeting but the committee did not amend those terms during the session.

Next steps: the award recommendation will be transmitted to the Walworth County Finance Committee for review and formal contract approval.