County discusses replacing transit vehicles after state funding; directors weigh ordering and delivery timing

A county director briefed supervisors on potential transit vehicle replacements after the program received a large state award that could fund new buses and vans.

The director said the fleet includes one large bus, two smaller buses and two minivans that are due for replacement and that purchasing all replacements could exceed the current fiscal year's budget. "We have one big bus, two smaller buses, and two minivans that are all due for replacement," the director said. Options discussed included ordering vehicles now and taking delivery after the fiscal‑year change or stretching purchases across multiple years to manage budget impact.

The director cited example prices discussed at a regional meeting (one large bus around $178,000 and medium options like the Ford Transit near $101,000) and noted more vendors are available now than in the past, including bids from vendors in Colorado, Ohio, Indianapolis and Wisconsin, compared with a previously sole contract with Hogan Bus in Marshalltown. Board members and staff also raised that most buses include wheelchair lifts and flagged the need to replace the one non‑accessible minivan with an accessible vehicle when feasible.

There was no board vote on procurement decisions; staff said they will continue gathering information and keep the board updated.