J Morgan updated on the status of annual finance.

Shared purchasing options for busses as presented by B Weimar

Used busses of ~2020 with ~85,000 miles the cost is $85,000

New bus would be ~$149,000

R Gevjan - Does it makes sense to purchase a used bus with the additional savings?

B Weimar - It can be a roll of the dice with regards to the reliability of a used bus

The used busses we have were purchased by reputable vendors, one bus has destroyed an engine, the other has wiring issues

There are some concerns with how much money would go in to a used bus - Would it be real savings compared to new?

R Gevjan - The expectation of a used bus to be as dependable is a new bus is lower

B Weimar - Correct

R Gevjan - What does this do to the plan for the EV busses?

B Weimar - All of the federal funding is frozen and delayed.  There remains an 18 month lead time as soon as the money is released.

Transportation committee felt that the need to address bussing needs now will not be addressed by the EV busses.  The earliest delivery for the EV busses at this point is July 2026

J Morgan - Tariff situation with steel and aluminum is only make the busses go up.  As soon as Feb. 24th

B Weimar - We also get the same bulk pricing as NC Public Schools.  Thomas will not build more busses until there is an order from the state

R Gevjan - Would a 3rd new bus be needed?

J Morgan - It might be more prudent to look at some smaller bussing options to support these needs

B Weimar - Looking at the secondary market, these type of busses are more attainable than a full size bus.

R Gevjan - What would be the ideal bussing scenario?

J Morgan - The ideal scenario would be to have 3 large busses and 2 small to midsize busses to meet all of the transportation needs for routes, sports, and shuttling between campuses

B Weimar- Agrees, and states that the smaller busses are more available in the secondary market.