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Board hears transportation plan to lease Mescalero bus barn to cut deadhead miles
Summary
Transportation staff outlined a proposal to lease five bus stalls in Mescalero at an estimated $9,000 per year, arguing it would save fuel, reduce deadhead miles and lower wear on buses compared with driving them between sites.
District transportation staff presented a proposal to lease space at a private bus‑barn facility in Mescalero as a temporary solution to parking and maintenance needs.
Staff explained the operator’s quote—about $9,000 annually with a renewable yearly option—would cover space for five buses, utilities and basic maintenance access. Staff contrasted that cost with an approximate $15,000–$16,000 annual estimate for additional deadhead mileage (fuel and wear) if buses were driven daily between sites. "That 40 miles is money the district has to absorb," a transportation presenter said, noting the state does not reimburse deadhead miles.
Proponents said leasing the site would reduce mileage, preserve vehicle life (buses must be kept for 12 years) and eliminate the need to provide temporary facilities such as portable restrooms for drivers in cold weather. Staff also suggested exploring tribe‑owned land as a future option, but recommended the Mescalero lease as the most practical near‑term solution.
Board members asked staff to continue negotiations and to provide appraisals and state replacement‑value calculations when available; staff said they will follow up with additional cost comparisons and formal proposals.
