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Marion council approves $112,005 purchase of electric shuttle van using $50,000 Ameren grant
Summary
The Marion City Council voted to buy a Ford electric shuttle van with an ADA lift, using a $50,000 Ameren grant plus project funds for the $112,005.83 price. Council discussed storage, charging and operational plans and emphasized ADA access and warranty coverage.
The Marion City Council voted to purchase a Ford electric shuttle van equipped with an ADA lift for a total of $112,005.83, using a $50,000 Ameren grant and project funds to cover the remainder.
Mayor Absher, who presented the proposal, said the vehicle would shuttle people from municipal parking into downtown for events such as Third Thursdays and Civic Center performances. "The van itself is, 112,583, of which we use 50,000 of the Ameren grant," he said while describing cost and funding options.
Staff described the vehicle as a flexible option compared with narrow, low-speed golf-cart alternatives. A staff member noted the vehicle is a 2023 model available now and explained storage and charging options, including a local garage the city is exploring as a lease or purchase. "It can plug into a 120 outlet" for slower charging, the staff presenter said, and the seats are removable so the van can be reconfigured for other uses.
Councillors pressed on operational details: range estimates (staff cited roughly 200–300 miles depending on configuration and use), warranty coverage, seating with the ADA lift (the proposed configuration seats nine plus space for a wheelchair), and maintenance. One councillor cited an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for batteries and electronics as a reassurance on long-term service costs.
Council members also discussed branding and sponsorship: staff said they had asked Ameren about co-sponsoring a vehicle wrap to include the city's logo and a sponsor mark. They discussed how often the vehicle would be used — staff did not expect daily operation but said charging after use would be feasible.
After questions about parking, insurance and driver training, the council moved to approve the purchase. The motion passed by roll call with all members voting in favor.
The van purchase is intended to provide ADA-accessible trips between city-owned parking and downtown event locations; staff will return with implementation details (storage lease/purchase, charging infrastructure and a draft operational circuit) for follow-up implementation and scheduling.
