Board delays decision on tax-credit contractor for electric-bus rebates, seeks more procurement information

The Liberty Elementary School District governing board on Monday voted unanimously to table a proposed contract with TransTax Advisors, a firm that would file for federal tax credits and refundable credits related to district purchases including electric buses and chargers.

Administration and outside presenters explained that TransTax Advisors would pursue Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and IRS filings on the district's behalf. The discussion centered on a 25% contingency fee the firm would take from recovered credits, the firm’s three-year contract term and whether the district could justify a sole-source procurement rather than seeking competing bids.

District staff said Verigee, a separate vendor already engaged for energy projects (notably bus electrification and charger installation), was not pursuing the same IRS tax-credit filings and that TransTax Advisors’ work would be distinct. Board members remained concerned that overlapping rebate or credit claims could result in disputes about which vendor’s strategy produced savings and thus which firm earned a fee.

Trustees asked whether the three-year contract was required and whether the district could limit the contract to the current bus/charger transaction. A representative of the contractor (on the phone) said the firm could shorten terms and that other Arizona school districts have used similar services. Board members asked staff to document other Arizona entities working with the firm and to provide stronger sole-source justification if the district proceeds.

The motion to table was made and passed by roll call; the item will return to the board at a future meeting after staff follow-up.