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Board asked to approve purchase of four buses, including one special‑needs vehicle, using capital and operations funds
Summary
Transportation staff requested approval to replace four buses this fiscal year — including a more costly special‑needs bus — funded from the division’s 931 capital improvement fund and 921 operations funds; quotes are on state contract and staff will reconfirm pricing before ordering.
Holly McDonald, filling in for Ed Smith, presented the transportation request and said the division’s five‑year capital improvement plan calls for replacing 15 buses over five years and that staff seek approval this year to replace four buses now to stay ahead of a larger purchase cycle. She noted the quotes are on state contract and dated Sept. 11 and that staff expect prices to hold but will confirm before placing orders.
McDonald explained funding sources: the division plans to use a mix of 931 capital improvement funds and 921 operations funds, and the bus quotes are procured through state contracts. She said one of the vehicles is a special‑needs (SpEd) bus, which drives a higher unit cost because of the equipment and configurations required.
Board members asked routine questions about fuel type and timing; staff said recent purchases have mostly been gasoline buses and that electric vehicle procurement remains premature given current readiness. If approved, orders would be placed and buses typically arrive in the spring.
Next steps: staff will bring the purchase for formal approval on the agenda (or proceed per consent depending on board direction) and will confirm final pricing at the time of order.
