Kootenai County approves transit contracts and FTA grant amendments after public call for asset valuation

A public speaker urged commissioners on Sept. 2 to prioritize transit and publish valuations for county transit assets before the board approved several transit-related items, including a janitorial contract and amendments to Federal Transit Administration grants.

Ron Hartman, who spoke during public comment, told the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners that the transit center and buses should be appraised and the values made public so the community can assess “what it costs to get out of it.” He also raised concerns about a paratransit route he described as very limited in who can use it.

Shortly after public comment, the board considered three transit items presented by Chad Engle of the transit department. The board authorized a one-year janitorial services agreement at the Riverstone Transit Center with Grime Stoppers at a monthly rate of $1,071 for the term September 2025 through August 2026. The motion passed with two votes in favor and one opposed.

The board also authorized an amendment to an existing Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant for fixed-route and ADA paratransit operations totaling $1,506,600, with in‑kind matches from Kootenai Health and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe of $1,193,372. Chad Engle said the amendment relates to the county's allocation of FTA 5307 funds, has been approved by FTA in the award management system, and extends the grant performance period through Dec. 31, 2026. The amendment was reviewed by legal and the auditor's office; Engle said execution will allow the county to access the approved funding.

Commissioners asked whether the county has unspent CARES Act or other grant funds that could be used before adding more awards. Engle said some operational funds from current grants are still being expended and that staff will provide a grant-status update to the board. One commissioner asked staff to return next week with a list of open grants, remaining balances and expiration dates; Engle said the transit department regularly provides that information to the auditor's office and agreed to follow up.

A separate planning grant amendment to an existing FTA award totaling $25,920 with a cash match of $6,480 from jurisdictional cities was also approved. Engle said the planning funds will support service planning activities and extend the performance period to April 30, 2026. Engle noted CARES Act funds cannot be used for planning, a point raised by a commissioner during discussion.

The board did not take additional formal action on the public comment request to appraise transit property values, but one commissioner asked that the transit department provide the requested grant and asset information for future discussion.

Proponents and opponents: Public comment supported transparency about asset values. Commissioners pressed staff for documentation of outstanding grant balances and were told the auditor's office receives regular reports on grant status.

Looking ahead, Engle said executing the FTA amendments is time‑sensitive because federal award management windows can close at fiscal-year end, which can delay processing.