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Council raises transit levy to 65 cents as bus prices surge; staff warned of aging fleet and procurement delays
Summary
After a detailed briefing on record ridership, an aging fleet and dramatic recent bus price increases, the council voted to raise the municipal transit levy to 65 cents to build fund balance and prepare for higher capital costs; staff warned federal/state grant timing remains uncertain and buses remain delayed.
Marshalltown’s public works and transit staff told the council that the municipal transit system recorded its highest ridership in recent years while operating an aging fleet (average age 16.5 years) and facing staff and maintenance pressures.
Transit Administrator Kevin Pigor and Public Works Director Heather Thomas described procurement delays—buses authorized by FTA in prior years have not been delivered—and a late notice from manufacturers that 30‑ and 40‑foot bus prices had jumped sharply. Pigor said a soft manufacturer estimate for a replacement bus approached seven figures in recent vendor communications.
Councilors debated whether to increase the transit levy to maintain a cushion for capital replacement. After discussion a council member moved and the council voted to increase the levy to 65 cents; the roll call showed a 6–1 majority in favor. Staff said the levy increase is intended to sustain a healthy fund balance while staff pursues federal/state grant support and seeks to lock contract prices when grant contracts are in place.
