Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution to approve the Interlocal Agreement with Hill Country Transit District for increased service routes.
Summary
DATE: July 19, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Jonathan Locke, Executive Director of Finance
SUBJECT: Hill Country Transit District (HOP) Interlocal Agreement
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Texas Government Code, Chapter 791, authorizes local governments to contract for governmental functions and services to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Hill Country Transit District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas that operates the HOP. The City contracts with Hill Country Transit District to provide transit services to residents. In recent years, the number of routes provided by the HOP have been reduced due to budget constraints.
During the FY 2022 Budget process, City Council provided direction on the allocation of the $29.1 million received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). City Council authorized $1.1 million in funding for transit services with the HOP to provide transportation services for some of the City’s most vulnerable residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this agreement is to add two routes, including the Route 550 Silver Flex Route and the Fixed Route 5, which also has complimentary American with Disabilities Act services.
Route 550 Silver Flex Route will run four hours a day, Monday through Friday, from 8:10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. The loop route will run from Lions Club Park to Lowes BLVD. at Walmart, to the Killeen Community Center, and back to Lions Club Park.
Fixed Route 5 runs twelve hours a day, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Inbound Route will run from Stan Schlueter Loop at HEB to Jasper Drive at Workforce Solutions, to the Killeen Transfer Station. The Outbound Route will run from the Killeen Transfer Station to the intersection of Elms Road and Round Rock Drive, to Stan Schlueter Loop at HEB. The route also provides complementary paratransit service within a ¾ mile radius from Route 5. Paratransit services is by request and does not have designated time stops.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Do not approve the interlocal agreement with HCTD for increased service routes.
2. Approve the interlocal agreement with HCTD for increased service routes.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Alternative 2 is recommended, to provide transportation services for the City’s most vulnerable population impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Texas Government Code 791, authorizes local governments to contract for governmental functions and services to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
FY 2022 - $500,000 FY 2024 - $600,000
FY 2023 - $600,000 FY 2025 - $600,000
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
Recurring
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund Non-Departmental account 010-9501-491.50-64.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council approve the interlocal agreement with Hill Country Transit District for increased service routes and that the City Manager or designee be authorized to execute any change orders as permitted by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
HOP Interlocal Agreement