Board approves MDOT transit application and contract; transit staff report steady operations and capital requests

Van Buren County transit staff presented the FY2026 MDOT annual application, capital requests and an MDOT operating contract; the Board approved the application and the federal operating contract.

Tammy (transit director) told commissioners the county’s annual MDOT application includes compliance documents, ADA and Title VI policies, and fiscal estimates for FY2026. Tammy said federally reimbursable operating assistance is budgeted at 18 percent (about $433,210 estimated in the application) and state reimbursement would be about 30.5895 percent (about $736,204), noting a state decrease of about 4 percent from the prior year. Tammy presented capital requests for bus replacements (one in FY2027, three in FY2028) and a building expansion request for additional bus garage space, and she said capital grant awards were uncertain given the current state budget environment.

The Board moved to approve the FY2026 annual application and to authorize the board chair to sign required contract clause certifications and the resolution of intent; the motion passed on the record in the county meeting and was later approved by the Board of Commissioners to meet a February 1 deadline. Later the Board also approved an MDOT contract for federal 5311 operating assistance totaling $435,861 for the current fiscal year.

Tammy also reviewed operations: several drivers and a dispatcher were out on medical leave but new drivers are in orientation; ridership dipped from October to November due to holiday closures and the closing of a partner service (Hope Center), and transit staff noted they expect seasonal ride increases in February with local events. Staff reported federal and state reimbursements are being received and cash and investment positions remain healthy; capital projects (garage expansion and bus replacements) will be pursued through future grant applications.