Committee forwards FTA procurement policy for shared-ride transit to council after DOT audit

The Finance & Taxation Committee voted to forward a recommendation that the common council incorporate the Federal Transit Administration procurement policy into city policy for the City of Monroe shared-ride transit program.

Administrator Brindy summarized results of a Department of Transportation audit that found the city’s finance policy referenced the federal procurement policy but did not incorporate the full text; DOT advised the city must adopt the complete policy language rather than rely on a cross-reference. Brindy said DOT provided a draft policy that had been adapted to reflect Wisconsin and Monroe-specific provisions.

Brindy described the shared-ride program (sometimes referred to in meeting comments as the taxi program) as funded through a mix of federal, state and local match dollars and said procurements in recent years frequently drew only one proposal — typically from Brown Cab — because limited local infrastructure and staffing make it difficult for other operators to bid. “It is a very complex process…to have the resources, like that staff that knows this process,” Brindy said.

Committee members asked whether the audit related to service hours; Brindy said the audit focused on procurement and compliance with federal grant requirements (for example, ADA notices, vehicle maintenance checks and procurement procedures) rather than operating hours. A member also noted the council amended local ordinances several years ago to allow app-based services such as Uber and Lyft, but availability in town depends on driver presence.

A committee member moved to send the procurement-policy recommendation to the common council; the committee took a roll call vote and approved forwarding the item.

The committee’s action formally sends the DOT-provided procurement draft to the council so the city can ensure the shared-ride program remains compliant with federal grant conditions.