Trustees hear transportation shortfalls: outside repairs, missing shop lift and high tire costs

Board members and staff discussed recurring transportation expenses and equipment limits that drive outsized repair costs. S6, speaking at length about fleet maintenance, said the district pays outside mechanics $120–$150 an hour when the district must send vehicles out, and that missing front-end alignment equipment causes premature tire wear and repeated repairs.

S6 gave a precise cost example to illustrate the fiscal pressure: "Those tires are $5,600 each," and staff said fleet maintenance and outside contract bills were included in this year's operating budget estimates. The board asked staff to maintain a spreadsheet documenting routine repairs and parts costs to better forecast and control transportation spending. Staff also raised a multi-year plan to consider outsourcing the transportation department to reduce liability and stabilize repair costs.