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Commission hears that electric-bus vendor furloughs imperil delivery; staff may pursue a gas bus instead
Summary
Staff told the Dunn County Transit Commission that Phoenix EV’s company-wide furlough and leadership changes left the county without a production timeline for electric buses; commissioners were told staff has requested a refund of the roughly $93,000 down payment and may use capital funds to buy a conventional bus if needed.
Staff told the commission it has an unresolved vendor issue with Phoenix EV, the manufacturer contracted to supply electric buses; company-wide furloughs and executive turnover have left the vendor without a timeline for resuming production.
Austin, the facilities, parks and transit director, said the county signed a purchase agreement that included a 20% down payment and that staff has asked the vendor for a timeline or a return of the deposit. “We want our 20% down payment back,” Austin said. The transcript includes discussion referencing a $93,000 down payment figure; staff said outcomes could include contract remedies, recovery through collections or bankruptcy proceedings, or resolving the matter without collections and getting a full refund.
Commissioners asked whether state grant managers or the Federal Transit Administration could intervene; staff said the state (WISDOT) manages the grant and that the county should be able to seek reimbursement when a vehicle is delivered. Staff also said the county has capital funds available and could pursue buying a conventional gas bus as an alternative; Austin offered to set a June meeting to add a purchase-agenda item if commissioners want to move forward.
The commission did not take a formal vote on the procurement at this meeting; staff will pursue follow-up with the vendor and the state and bring purchase options back to the commission.
