Transit committee OKs one‑year extension for shopping shuttle after roughly $200,000 in new funds; DOT approval needed

Speaker 2 told the committee the shopping shuttle faced a roughly $200,000 shortfall and a 600‑hour gap but staff had identified new state/federal reapportionment funds and a $50,000 annual allocation increase that together could cover the immediate gap. "I think we have a total of about $200,000 that have come in since the last time we've met," Speaker 2 said.

Members discussed whether local towns should contribute. Speaker 4 reported that Greenport had been "not interested in contributing" this year, while Hudson had signaled possible support; members recommended approaching towns for next year’s budgets rather than expecting immediate contributions during municipal budget season.

Staff described grant timing constraints: DOT funding was reported to include a requirement to spend funds before March, which prompted a discussion about prepaying a contractor (Johnson) and submitting vouchers for reimbursement. Committee members flagged procurement rules limiting prepayment and asked staff to confirm options with the attorney and DOT.

Given the newly identified funds and uncertainty about recurring revenue, the committee voted by voice to proceed for one year and to submit the staffing and budget changes to DOT for approval. Speaker 5 said staff would wait for DOT approval before preparing a formal resolution. At the vote Speaker 6 moved the motion; the voice vote passed with "Aye" and no recorded opposition.

Next steps: staff will submit the plan to DOT for approval, collect ridership counts from affected pickup points to inform negotiations with Hudson and Greenport, and return with a recommended procurement/budget approach in time to plan for possible rebidding next summer.