Council approves contingency transfer to buy backup trolley with remaining federal transit funding

The Monmouth City Council approved a contingency transfer on June 17 to allow staff to use remaining federal COVID transit funding (about $146,000) to purchase a used backup trolley for the municipal trolley fleet.

Rochelle Burke, city manager, and staff told council the transit grant originally covered trolley purchases and operating support; after spending most grant dollars they identified a used trolley for approximately $146,000 (including transportation to Monmouth). The council approved a resolution to transfer contingency funds within the transit fund so staff can acquire the vehicle before the grant expiration.

Staff said the vehicle is slightly longer than the city’s current trolleys and is diesel; the city will work with its contractor on reusability, paint it to match the fleet, and confirm electronics and Wi‑Fi parity. Storage space is available at the city’s depot, though staff will need to move the senior center bus to make room for the extra trolley.

Councilor Lopez moved the resolution authorizing the contingency transfer; the motion passed on roll call vote and staff were directed to make the budget entries and proceed with the purchase.