Board approves $271,900 budget amendment to add buses as prices rise

District staff told the board that bus prices are rising and recommended a budget amendment to shift fund-balance dollars to transportation equipment. "We got a quote for a new bus that, with air conditioning would be 152,300," the director said, and staff recommended a $271,900 amendment to buy three buses and cover inspection costs for older vehicles.

The motion to approve the budget amendment was made by Mister Jenkins and seconded by Mister Caldwell. After brief discussion about mileage limits and inspections, the board approved the amendment by voice vote; the director said the county commission had previously allowed the timing exception needed to get the purchase moving. Staff noted the district currently has about five buses left in its fleet and that adding three would move toward the board's goal of rebuilding to a larger in-house fleet in increments.