Bus Garage Renovation Proposal
Bus Garage Renovation Proposal
What would the changes include?
Preliminary plans for the bus garage pictured here would include an addition (colored green) that would include:
- New maintenace and wash bays that allow buses to drive through rather than back out of the facility, improving safety.
- New vehicle lifts and other resources.
- Multiple dedicated storage spaces.
- Staff break and training space.
- Office spaces.
- Additional electrical conduit and piping to support future possible electrical needs.
The existing structure’s bus barn area (colored red) would be renovated to:
- Pave the existing uneven gravel floor
- Push the front of the building out six feet to allow for safer navigation around the fronts of buses.
- Replace bay doors.
How much will the actual project cost be?
The maximum allowed for the project under the proposition is $14.73 million. That’s a preliminary, broad estimate from a partner construction company for how much the work may cost.
The district cannot seek competitive bids on the work, or pay a company for an itemized, extensive analysis of each aspect of the project until residents have approved us to move forward with it.
Consequently, the district always budgets conservatively before forming a proposition. Should the job turn out to cost more than the maximum amount approved by residents, the district would have to hold another vote for an increased amount, delaying the process and potentially wasting money.
Conversely, because no tax dollars are collected until – in most cases – work is complete and we know the final total, the district generally is able to bring the tax bill for residents below the maximum total in a proposition.
The district is strongly optimistic – but can in no way promise – the project could require less than the maximum $14.73 million estimate to renovate and expand the bus garage. These savings could come from design choices, changing anticipated needs or those overly conservative estimates. But unless Proposition 3 is passed at that $14.73 amount preliminarily estimated the district cannot have the flexibility to explore those possible savings.
Questions and Answers
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No. We will receive state aid that will cover some of the proposed work. However, because some aspects of the projects will be up to the state’s interpretation for how they apply their regulations for granting aid, we would not want to prematurely promise a specific total to residents.
We believe much of the project will be eligible for aid, with the exception of renovation to existing bus barn, reimbursing roughly half of eligible costs. We won’t be able to be certain until the proposition is approved and project parameters are submitted to the state for review.
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Our district has a strong track record of completing projects underbudget. This is because we build in estimated contingency costs in any project we propose, and, because we generally do not collect any money from residents until a project is completed, they do not pay for any padded estimates.
Our last major completed capital improvement project was budgeted at roughly $22 million but came in $4 million under budget, meaning taxpayers never paid the full amount they authorized spending.
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No. These plans have been in the works for several years and are intended to accommodate the needs and safety of the transportation department as a whole. This project does not add additional charging stations. The electrical upgrades are intended to position the district for future uses should they be needed.
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The age and condition of current facilities force the district to regularly pay for outside expenses and there are immediate repair needs. We’re currently renting a temporary lift as one built into the garage is broken, and a roughly 20-year-old lift regularly requires servicing. Plus, the longer a building goes without upgrades and repairs, the more costly addressing those needs will be in the future.
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There are portions of the existing building that can still be of use to the Transportation Department. And, we would lose out on any state aid on the project, meaning the entire cost would fall on taxpayers.
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Buses and vehicles of all types would be able to be serviced in the garage. However, just like gas buses, in which there are occassional complicated needs in which a bus may need to be sent to a service specialist for repairs, there are some specialized services in which an electric bus may need to be sent out for repairs.
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How a driver spends their downtime is up to them. However, it’s probable a more comfortable breakroom would encourage drivers and mechanics to utilize it more often and be happier in the workplace. Districts across the region are experiencing a shortage of qualified and interested drivers and mechanics. Upgraded break and training spaces can only help Red Hook attract the best candidates.
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No. Although propositions approved by voters in the last two years total a maximum of $1.7 million we were authorized to spend, the district has spent very little to acquire its six electric buses. The district accessed a grant program offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and other state Education Department aid to purchase its first two buses at roughly $13,000 each. The following four will cost the district roughly $60,000 each – more than anticipated due to the state changing its reimbursement rate. Those buses are all under warranty, as well, and repairs they have needed or will need in the future are covered.
Proposition 3
Shall the Board of Education be authorized to construct an addition to, reconstruct, renovate and improve the Linden Avenue bus garage and site, acquire original furnishings, equipment, machinery or apparatus required for the purpose for which such bus garage is to be used and pay incidental costs related thereto, at a maximum cost of $14,725,000; (2) expend such sum for such purpose, including the expenditure of $1,000,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund; (3) levy the necessary tax therefore, to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education, taking into account state aid and the amount expended from the Capital Reserve Fund; and (4) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, issue bonds and notes of the School District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $13,725,000, and levy a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due?