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Commission hears transit contract update; staff says FY2027 GDOT/FTA application will be submitted by Sept. 30
Summary
County transit staff described a temporary subcontractor contract to bridge July–December service and outlined a FY2027 Georgia Department of Transportation / Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 application, a $548,950 operating request, equipment upgrades, and use of transit trust funds to offset wages.
Transit staff told the Dawson County Commission on Sept. 18 that a temporary contract will cover transit operations from July through December while a permanent subcontractor agreement begins Oct. 1.
Transit Manager Lee presented a FY2027 operating grant application to the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration under the rural Section 5311 program and said the county’s FY2027 transit budget request totals $548,950. Lee said the request reflects higher maintenance costs for vehicles parked at GDOT’s asset yard, upgraded camera systems on buses, and a new administrative position that increases overhead. He said vehicle maintenance and camera upgrades are necessary to extend fleet life and meet contemporary safety and reporting needs.
Lee said the county will also apply for a Transit Trust Fund program that requires no local match; the trust-fund money has previously been used to offset dispatcher and driver salaries. He said the county is negotiating rate increases with a new Department of Human Services (DHS) subcontractor and that DHS insurance and state requirements remain outstanding items to complete the subcontract.
Staff asked the board to permit placement of the FY2027 grant application on a future agenda for formal action; the item’s submission deadline to GDOT/FTA was noted as Sept. 30.
Why it matters: The county’s transit funding request and subcontracting decisions affect local mobility, operating budgets and the scope of services for residents who rely on county transit. Federal and state grant awards and subcontractor insurance and rate negotiations will determine the county’s final obligations and service levels.
The presentation did not include a final vote. Commissioners asked questions and staff indicated the permanent contract is expected to begin Oct. 1 and that the temporary contract will avoid a service gap through December.
