Resolution to Purchase Vehicles for Transportation Program and Amend the 2025 Budget

BACKGROUND: The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers transportation to Sauk County residents over age 60 and those over age 18 who are disabled.   The ADRC transportation program has grown to where rides are averaging 140 to 150 per week.  There is a need for more handicap accessible vans and lower vehicles to transport clients to medical and dental appointments, as well as to the pharmacy and grocery store.

As Sauk County’s population ages, the population served by this service increases. Safe and dependable vehicles are needed to provide transportation. We are seeing an increase of wheelchair transportation needs – In 2022, we had 1,554 one-way rides and in 2023, the rides jumped dramatically to 2,391 one-way rides using ADRC handicap accessible vehicles. In 2024 we had 2,909 one-way rides using ADRC vehicles.

The ADRC would like to purchase 2 new vehicles.   The first one is a 2024 rear entry minivan for $67,949.00 and the second vehicle is a 2025 Subaru Forester for $35,781.00. No additional levy funds will be used to purchase this van. The State Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted permission to use DOT Trust Fund dollars to cover the expense for the two vehicles. 

The ADRC currently has $119,649.78 in its DOT Trust Fund account. The DOT Trust Fund is to be used to purchase or maintain vehicles for the transportation program. The State Department of Transportation does not allow the ADRC to have more than $80,000.00 in the fund at any one time; any funds over $80,000.00 must be returned to the state.  ADRC will use the DOT Trust Funds to purchase the vehicles, register, and add the ADRC logo to the vehicles. The anticipated cost will be $103,730.00.