Commission approves two-year extension for city bus services with auditor review after 4‑1 vote

The Pembroke Pines City Commission voted 4‑1 on March 5 to extend the contract that provides bus transportation services used by charter schools, community services and other city programs, approving a two‑year renewal and directing the commission auditor to submit a report in time for the commission’s first meeting in December 2025.

Commissioner Rodriguez moved to limit any extension to one or two years while the commission’s auditor and staff re‑examine whether the long‑term arrangement remains the most cost‑effective option; Commissioner Hernandez seconded. The motion adopted language setting a two‑year term and an audit deadline tied to the first December 2025 meeting; the final tally on the motion was 4 in favor, 1 opposed.

Commissioners who supported the shorter extension said they wanted time to re‑test the market and have the auditor examine the contract and procurement process. Commissioner Rodriguez urged a shorter term and additional review: "My suggestion for this item is that we extend it 1 to 2 years," Rodriguez said during debate. He cited the length of time since the city last re‑evaluated the arrangement and said staff and the auditor should check whether buying, leasing or contracting out services now yields different value.

Opponents raised concerns about service continuity and the practical difficulty of replacing a large, operational service quickly. Commissioner Schwartz said he had reservations about shortening the term to a single year but supported the agreed compromise to require an audit and return in time to consider a longer procurement process.

City Manager Dodge said staff had no objection to the shorter term and noted the city can terminate under existing contract clauses if necessary. Commissioners added timing caveats to ensure any new procurement would not disrupt school year operations and asked that an auditor report allow at least six months for any transition planning.

What the contract covers: the Transportation Authority contract supplies buses and drivers for charter schools, summer programs, senior transportation and other city uses; the city reimburses actual vehicle costs and pays a management fee to the contractor, according to meeting backup.

Next steps: staff will work with the commission auditor on the scope and timing of the review; commissioners set the auditor deliverable for the first commission meeting in December 2025 so the city could evaluate audit findings before deciding on a longer renewal or an RFP.