Commission approves Dial‑a‑Ride contract with SMART after discussion over no‑show fees and service cuts

The Mount Clemens City Commission on Oct. 1 approved a fiscal‑year 2019 purchase‑of‑service contract with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to provide the city's Dial‑a‑Ride service.

City staff presented the contract, which the report says allows SMART to subsidize the project with up to $45,931 in municipal and community credits for operating costs. The commission moved to approve the contract and authorized execution by appropriate city officials; a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval.

Commissioners raised questions about earlier budget discussions in which cuts or major changes to Dial‑a‑Ride had been considered. Commissioner Kraft asked about the status of those discussions; a SMART representative said the options had been reviewed and determined to be more costly than the current service model.

Commissioner Menser asked about a contract clause limiting no‑show rates to 5 percent weekly and about a $1 no‑show fee. SMART confirmed the fee is being collected and that the revenue is deposited into the Dial‑a‑Ride general fund to offset operating costs.

The motion to approve the contract was moved and supported and then approved by roll call. City administration and the city attorney reviewed the agreement and indicated it met the city's needs.

The commission did not adopt any changes to service levels at the meeting; commissioners were told earlier reviews found reductions would likely increase net costs. The contract start date and term were discussed during the review; the contract materials reference dates going back to July 1, 2018, and cover the upcoming fiscal year.