Board approves purchase of lift bus and seven used buses, awards financing not to exceed $850,000

After a lengthy transportation briefing, the board voted to purchase one new lift bus and seven used lease‑return buses from Midwest Transit Equipment, plus security camera systems and installation, with total financing not to exceed $850,000. Administration presented price quotes (used buses ~ $84,190 each; a lift bus roughly $177,000) and said lease‑return inventory is limited — staff recommended acting now to secure favorable pricing and a familiar bus series for drivers and mechanics.

The motion, made by a board member (S7) and seconded, included awarding the vehicle financing bid to Monroe County Community Credit Union at a fixed rate of 3.58% and rejected other bids. Administration said the loan repayment was estimated to begin January 2027 with annual payments roughly $300,000 and that the purchase was already built into planning for next year’s $5.5M reduction scenario. The motion carried by roll call.

Administration framed the purchase as both an operational necessity (current fleet capacity is limited after retirements) and a timing opportunity (vendor reported only about 10 of this type of lease return available). Board members asked for clarification on delivery timing (no buses delivered before July 1) and for confirmation that cheaper used units would not create extra long‑term costs; transportation staff said the selected buses would reduce route times and fit the district’s maintenance capacity.