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Committee reallocates FY25 funds to buy six replacement buses, approves $1.246M transfer
Summary
The committee approved a $1,246,152 FY25 budget increase funded by $900,000 from Excess & Deficiency and $346,152 from regional transportation accounts to stabilize capital funds and pay for six replacement buses (Devivo/International buses), authorizing reallocation of a $303,345 capital outlay line for the purchase.
The Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School Committee approved a budget transfer and capital reallocation to fund transportation needs and to purchase up to six replacement school buses.
Administrators asked the committee to increase the FY25 general fund operating budget by $1,246,152: $900,000 to be moved from the district's Excess & Deficiency (END) account into a district stabilization account and $346,152 from the regional transportation balance to increase the transportation appropriation. The administration said the move would leave approximately $308,898 remaining in END funds and that investment earnings are expected to replenish the account in coming months.
Business staff presented a proposal to reallocate $303,345 originally budgeted for wastewater‑plant pump replacement to allow purchase of up to six replacement buses. The administration shared a quote from Devivo Bus Company using a Sourcewell contract for six International buses, with the net cost after trade‑in reported in the transcript as roughly $630,068. Committee members noted availability and a lower price this year compared with past shortages.
"They are available now, which is unusual," one member said, urging the committee to act so mechanics can install equipment over the summer. A motion to approve the transfers and to authorize purchase of up to six new buses passed by roll call.
Committee members discussed procurement timing (lease vs. purchase) and confirmed the capital reallocation will not change municipal assessments. Staff indicated the buses would be delivered in June if ordered and that summer would be used to install cameras, signage and other equipment.
The approvals permit staff to proceed with the transfers and to finalize a bus purchase consistent with the presented quote and Sourcewell procurement pathway.
