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Scott–Carver staff recommend extending mobility-management agreement, explore broker model for NEMT
Summary
Staff recommended modifying and renewing the joint mobility-management agreement, exploring vendor/broker options for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and possibly transferring some TransitLink oversight back to the Met Council by Oct. 1, 2026. The presentation included grant and budget details and options to reduce county FTEs under a broker model.
Staff presented options for the Scott–Carver mobility-management program and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT).
The mobility-management board (described in the transcript as Scott–Carver mobility management) currently oversees transit coordination, TransitLink contract oversight and some expanded circulator services. Staff reported a two‑year grant cycle (identified in the meeting as a 5310-style grant) that provides roughly $578,000 over two years and supports about 2.3 FTEs in the NEMT piece and additional mobility-management positions. The counties currently split match and operating costs; Scott County carries a larger share of service hours.
Staff said the state had contemplated taking NEMT statewide but, after bid results and cost projections, reversed course and the 2026 legislation removed a fixed takeover date and now requires six months' notice when the state does decide to assume the program. That change leaves counties responsible in the near term and creates uncertainty about timing and funding. Staff described a range of local services, including weekend circulators and targeted fixed routes, and noted local innovations such as Metro Micro on‑demand pilots.
The joint staff recommendation was threefold: authorize staff to work on modifying and renewing the joint mobility-management agreements; explore contracting with a vendor/broker to manage NEMT (including cost, duration and service model); and consider transferring TransitLink services back to the Met Council on 10/01/2026 if appropriate, after giving required notice.
Staff flagged transition issues such as the retirement of a veterans transportation driver and the need to work with providers (Beacon, ProAct) to maintain continuity for specialized clients. Commissioners asked about timing and whether boards should schedule meetings to consider the recommended extensions; staff advised bringing extension/modification language forward to the individual boards in July.
No formal board vote was recorded; staff will return with draft contract language and cost estimates for board consideration.
