Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving an amendment to the Hill Country Transit District Interlocal Agreement.
Summary
DATE: September 6, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Leslie Hinkle, Executive Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with Hill Country Transit District
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 (HCTD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas that operates the public transit system known as The HOP. The City contracts with Hill Country Transit District to provide public transit services to residents. In recent years, the number of routes provided by The HOP have been reduced due to budget constraints.
The City Council gave direction on the allocation of ARPA funding for transit services with HCDT providing transportation for some of the City’s most vulnerable residents. On July 26, 2022, the City Council approved the interlocal agreement with HCTD for additional Route 550-Silver Flex Route and the Fixed Route 5. These two routes began in March of 2022. Route 550 has very few riders only averaging 0.9 riders per hour over the last 5 months. Route 5 is a more used route averaging 9.14 riders per hour.
For the past 25 years, the City has funded an Elderly Transportation Program that provides Killeen residents ages 62+ who need transportation assistance with an alternative transportation method of using a taxi service for their transportation needs. The program is funded with CDBG funding ($65,000) and the General Fund ($40,000) for a total of $105,000. The current Elderly Transportation Program allows the participants to call and schedule their rides at their convenience and up to 8 one-way rides monthly for trips generated by participants are allowed. The current program has an agreement with Cove Taxi to provide door to door transportation services to 178 program participants.
The City of Killeen was notified on July 29, 2022, that Cove Taxi owners were retiring and closing their business effective September 30, 2022, leaving the City’s program without a vendor to continue such transportation services to program participants. City staff reached out to other taxi companies to see if they were interested but did not receive any responses back indicating an interest. After much thought and consideration, discussions took place with HCTD to see if they would be able to provide a similar type of program enabling participants to still receive transportation services. While the program will change, it does still provide the participants with needed transportation services. This new service will operate like a Dial a Ride program and each participant will call 24 hours ahead to arrange for transportation. Participants will still receive up to 8 one-way rides per month and will still be able to get to their medical appointments and to other daily activities. They may be sharing the ride on the HOP special transit bus with others on the program, but they will get to their destination.
This will be a change from what the participants are accustomed over the past several years, but this service will still provide basic transportation services for the participants on the Elderly Transportation Program. Community Development staff along with HCDT staff will provide orientation sessions to all program participants, so staff can communicate and educate the participants and they can ask questions for their understanding. The goal is to make the change as seamless as possible, but we also understand that change is sometimes difficult.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Do not approve the amendment to the interlocal agreement allowing for the additional transportation services through the HCTD.
2. Amend the interlocal agreement with HCTD allowing for the additional services encompassing the Elderly Transportation Program.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Alternative #2 is recommended because the HCDT can absorb the program participants with minor adjustments from the current program guidelines.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Yes, amending the interlocal agreement conforms to City policy and 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?
There is a total of $105,000 in funding for FY 2023. $65,000 in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund and $40,000 in the General Fund Non-Departmental.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This could be a recurring expenditure if program proves successful and funding is available.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
There is $65,000 in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund in account 228-3250-426.50-86 and $40,000 in the General Fund Non-Departmental in account 010-9501-491.50-86. This is upon approval of the FY 2023 Proposed Budget.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes, upon approval of the FY 2023 Proposed Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council approve the amendment to the interlocal agreement with Hill Country Transit District for increased services for Killeen residents ages 62+ that are on the Elderly Transportation Program 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:
Interlocal Agreement