Interim transportation director says department budget down 16% but electric-bus costs pose new pressures

Colleen Souza, interim transportation director, appeared before the board to walk through Article 8 of the proposed budgets and the department's recent adjustments.

Souza said the transportation budget shows a reduction of "a little over 16%" primarily due to salary and benefits reductions and lower contracted-service spending after bringing transportation in-house. She highlighted new pressures: projected increases in equipment repair and maintenance (+$13,600), districtwide electricity rising about 20 percent, and additional costs tied to electric-bus battery maintenance and drug testing for drivers.

Souza also said the district has removed insurance coverage on electric buses and is "still waiting to hear from the EPA regarding approval to sell and dispose of those buses." Board members asked for clarification about battery-charge recommendations; Souza said an EPA contact advised keeping electric-bus batteries between "25 and 75%" charge to preserve life.

The board thanked Souza for the overview and had no immediate requests for amendments beyond routine budget review and continued monitoring of energy and maintenance costs.