Commission reviews vouchers, flags insurance and liability questions after driver used personal vehicle

The Oneida Vilas Transit Commission reviewed paid vouchers and raised questions about insurance and liability at its Feb. 27 meeting.

Transit Manager Barb Newman told the commission that a $36,163.00 payment to Transit Mutual covered bus insurance (voucher dated Jan. 27, 2026). Newman also described a $2,400.27 lease payment to Highway 47 Rentals for the administration/maintenance building, a Cardmember charge of $851.73, and use of Connecteam for bus inspections and communications. "Bus insurance was paid in full in the month of January," Newman said.

Board members flagged a $34.80 reimbursement to Ron Dahlvig for using his personal vehicle to bring a bus to Rhinelander. The reimbursement prompted discussion about what recourse would exist if a driver using a personal vehicle were to get into an accident; Newman said she would investigate the issue. Committee member Billy Fried said he would contact Oneida County Corporation Counsel for clarification about contesting paid bills or pursuing recourse.

No formal vote or action to rescind payments was recorded at the meeting; the matter was left for staff and counsel follow-up. The commission also noted routine lease and utility payments and the use of Connecteam for inspections as part of regular operations.