Munhall workshop probes Transdev maintenance costs, vehicle purchases and staffing needs

Staff presented a preliminary finance check showing Transdev fleet maintenance spending for the prior year was approximately $435,379, substantially higher than a referenced contract base (~$235,000). Staff explained the overrun was driven largely by older vehicles that fell outside warranties and said a full line-item reconciliation will be provided next week.

Council discussed options to reduce recurring vehicle costs, including hiring an in-house mechanic (staff said they plan to advertise for the position) and reviewing the Transdev contract. Members also discussed whether to cover half the cost of a fully outfitted vehicle for a narcotics detective (estimated total cost cited as $70,000; half = $35,000) from forfeiture funds; council noted the cost was not currently budgeted and discussed emergency-fund and contingency options.

Public-works staffing and winter help were also a focus. Council members described recent snowstorms that taxed a limited public-works crew and debated hiring limited-term winter help (three people was discussed as a possible target) versus reallocating paving or reserve funds. Staff said adding full-time positions would be a multiyear budget decision, while temporary hires could be advertised quickly for limited-term assistance.

Next steps: Staff committed to providing a complete Transdev spending breakdown compared with budget and contract values, to advertise for a mechanic position, and to return with options for vehicle funding and possible short-term winter hires.