CHS School Board Reconsiders Bus Contract and Related Issues
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The Chinook School Board revisited the School Bus Contract at its most recent meeting on Monday, March 20, 2023. According to unofficial minutes the following discussions took place.
The discussion regarding the bus contract began with Chairman Billmayer stating, “We are reconsidering this after John Elliot was not made aware that we had a board meeting in February. We are willing to listen to any offers that Mr. Elliot might have now.”
Elliot was present and stated that the offer he has is at $4.26 a mile. “His Fixed cost keeps increasing and his mileage keeps decreasing. The profit margins are not there. Elliot continues by saying, “In order for you as a district to get down to $3.10 a mile, you would have to eliminate one or two pieces of the pie when it comes to Bus Contracting.” He will also consider putting the rent for the Bus Barn back to $1,000 a month if we agree to split the power bill. This would be for one year.
A motion to accept the offer by John Elliot was made by Trustee Crowley and seconded by Trustee Elias. Chairman Billmayer asked for public comment. Mr. Arriola asked if this bus contract was put out on bids? Chairman Billmayer answered that it was not put out on bids because we are still currently under contract with Mr. Elliot. Mr. Arriola then asked where we are thinking of putting the new bus facility. Mr. Hofman stated that we would put it on the west end of the football field.
Later in the proceedings Trustee Alisch stated that the committee came out of the transportation meeting thinking that the amount was requested by Mr. Elliot was very high. He understands that cost has gone up but if we are given the opportunity to save the school district money then we should do it. Mr. Hofman stated that we can save $42,000 - $72,000 annually if we do it ourselves, which includes factoring in the cost of the buses and a potential bus shelter or bus barn. Taxes will drop after one year. He iterated that he has zero interest in taking on the duties of bus routes.
Trustee Elias expresses his concerns about building a facility and making a $500,000 investment. Some of the routes might not even be there. Trustee Stroebe added that we are looking at it near sighted. We are able to add assets and save money for our taxpayers. Trustee Stroebe does not like throwing away money. Trustee DePriest agreed with Trustee Stroebe.
Trustee Crowley stated that he talked to a board member from Big Sandy. He reported on what was discussed. Big Sandy owns their buses, but they have it subcontract them to bus drivers because they can’t get anyone to drive. Trustee Crowley said that Mr. Elliot’s offer is not way out of line as Big Sandy is set to renegotiate their bus contract. Chairman Billmayer shared his thoughts. He explained that we need to look at the big picture. We have to do this for the betterment of the community. Chairman Billmayer stated that he cannot look at taxpayers in the eye and tell them that we are not using their tax dollars proficient if we don’t consider this and save those tax dollars. Trustee Beck concerns lies with mechanical issues and Drivers. He agrees the having a new building is a plus but what about staffing it? It might be a problem. The motion doesn’t carry (2-4). Trustee Elias and Crowley were for it.
After a lengthy discussion Trustee Crowley stated that he would like to put the bus contract out for bids. A Motion to rescind the motion made in February and open the bus contracts for bid was then made by Trustee Crowley and seconded by Trustee Elias.
Public discussion that followed mentioned that opening this for bids makes it more comfortable to the public and taxpayers so they see why you are doing what you are doing and to educate the public. Chairman Billmayer asked for a discussion. Trustee Stroebe stated that we are wasting our time asking for bids. There are no other bus contractors around, and it is a huge initial investment. The motion doesn’t carry, 2-4.
