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EUPTA board approves $2-an-hour raise for bus and NEMT drivers
Summary
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority approved a $2.00-per-hour increase for its bus and nonemergency medical transport drivers starting with the first pay period of January 2026; the board will revisit pay in six months. Twenty employees are affected.
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority board voted Dec. 2 to raise pay for bus and nonemergency medical transport (NEMT) drivers by $2.00 per hour, beginning with the first payroll period of January 2026.
Director Paramski told the board that driver pay has been comparable to fast-food wages for the last three years and recommended a raise to retain staff. Finance Director Ms. Gordon provided a payroll cost breakdown and described the proposal as a low-cost step to keep experienced drivers; she said 20 employees would receive the increase. The transcript does not specify the program’s total annual cost.
Trustee Brandon Wheeler moved the pay increase and Lynda Garlitz seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Trustee Wheeler said he supported approving the recommended increase now and revisiting compensation in six months. Trustee Joe Henne said he would favor a larger increase to match nearby employers, while Trustee Middlestead suggested celebrating the change when informing drivers.
The raise applies to part-time drivers who do not receive benefits. The board did not set a specific dollar cost in the public record but recorded that staff will review compensation again in six months. No additional procedural conditions were attached to the motion.
The board voted on several other items during the meeting, including approvals of minutes and financial reports; it also heard vessel and fleet updates from the director. The board adjourned at 11:46 a.m.
