The Barry County Commissioner Tuesday recommended approval of a resolution of intent to apply for state and federal funds for expenses for Barry County Transit for the next year, an annual request from Transit Director Bill Voigt.

 

The resolution also appoints him transit coordinator with authorization to provide information and sign agreements. Voigt estimated income of $314,567 in federal funds, $665,261 in state funds and $794,925 locally from fare box and other local funds, with expenses estimated at $1,742,594.

 

Almost all of the 16 vehicles in the fleet qualify for replacement according to state guidelines, he said. The state will look at usage, number of aging buses and may authorize more buses.

“That’s up to the state, we won’t know until next year,” he said. Last year was the second highest in ridership for the transit, he added.

 

In an update on the planned expansion and renovation of the facility, Voigt said there will be a walk-through with contractors Jan. 22, bid opening on Jan. 31 with ground breaking anticipated in early spring.

 

The plans call for adding 2,950 square feet to the south side of the facility for bus storage and maintenance, adding 1,160 square feet to the dispatch center and renovation of the existing office space at a cost of $1.50 to $1.75 a square foot. The projected $1.1 to 1.3 million total cost will come from transit funds.//

 

In other business, commissioners recommended buying new furniture for the county probation department at a cost not to exceed $6,600 to replace the furniture in one probation office, the reception area and add an overhead storage unit.

 

Michelle Newton, adult probation/parole supervisor, said the furniture is pre-computer; some 20 years old, some more than 25 years old and of poor quality. Funds will come from the Capital Improvement Fund. The commissioners are expected to act on the recommendations at their Jan. 22 meeting.