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Oscoda County OKs MDOT-led regional transit partnership for three-year trial
Summary
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners on May 26 voted to adopt an MDOT-led regional partnership model for a three-year pilot to evaluate and develop public transportation services, opting not to directly operate transit due to budget and staffing limits.
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners voted May 26 to adopt an MDOT-led regional partnership to evaluate and develop public transportation services in and around Oscoda County.
Michelle Knepp, Oscoda County administrator and human resources director, told the board the county lacks budget and staffing capacity to directly operate a transit system. Knepp recommended a three-year regional partnership in which the Michigan Department of Transportation coordinates with neighboring providers to deliver service and conduct needs assessments. "The trial period will allow for necessary needs assessments and a clearer understanding of funding options," Knepp said during the discussion.
The board approved the measure on a Varner/Breaugh motion (motion 2026-136) with a unanimous roll-call vote. The approved option directs MDOT to coordinate with neighboring transportation providers rather than having Oscoda County assume direct management and funding of transit services during the pilot period.
Why it matters: the County’s choice limits near-term fiscal exposure while creating a structured trial to determine whether the county should pursue grants, a millage or other funding if future direct operation becomes feasible. Knepp emphasized that the pilot will clarify service needs, funding options and whether local management would be warranted after the trial.
What the board discussed: commissioners and staff reviewed practical constraints, including limited county resources and the need for accurate cost estimates. The motion does not commit the county to long-term operation or funding; instead it instructs MDOT to coordinate the regional partners to provide service that includes a neighboring county as part of a collaborative model.
Next steps: the board’s action authorizes the regional partnership pilot. If the pilot is successful, the board could later consider exploring grant opportunities, a millage or county funding to take on a greater operational role.
