Hi Carl, Thanks for the info. I am surprised the board didn't know about this. From the letter, it sounds like the city wanted even more. I am just waiting for the move to privatize Dial A ride. Robert ----- Original Message ----- From: carl mccoy To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 12:49 PM Subject: [tabi] Letter distributed at the TDCB last week This a letter distributed at the last meeting at the end of the meeting, but not fully explained. It is clear from this letter that the decission was already made, since Star Metro apparently does not wish to renew, that is pretty much it, end of story. I am irritated in that it was not at all discussed with the board until after the fact when it obviously had to be in the mill well before the meeting, and very probably was planned to coincide with Donna's retirement. Star Metro claims it was costing them even more than they were charging even though their charges seems exorbitant. anyway here it is Leon County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board October 21, 2009 J. OR. Harding, Chair Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged 655 Suwannee Street Tallahassee Dear Chairman Harding; The Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB) of Leon County regretfully notifies you that the City of Tallahassee is ending its role of Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for our program. As the CTC, Star and Paratransit Superintendent Donna Peacock have advanced transportation options for this important segment of the population. The last seven years have seen many successes, and the milestones achieved by StarMetro will be forever part of the coordinated system in Leon County. However, as times change, and as costs increase for the rider, the operator and the coordinator, it becomes increasingly important that as much available grant funding as possible be put into the actual movement of persons to services. The best coordination comes with a price; and as costs tighten the existing budget, the TDCB recommends that the best use of the funding is to return the system to the private sector. Administrative costs, salaries, pensions, and operating and indirect costs are generally much lower in the private sector, and this change will allow more of the limited funding to reach the system users. The TDCB applauds the generosity shown by the City of Tallahassee in reaching our shared goal of putting more money into services. We regret that the change is taking place, however our shared goal of serving this special-needs population is paramount. Bob Rackleff Chair, Leon County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board Leon County Commissioner Copies; Mr. Bobby Jernigan, FL Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Ms. Anita Favors- Thompson, City of Tallahassee Mr. Parwez Alam, Leon County Board of County Commissioners Harry Reed, Executive Director, CRTPA Mr. Ron Garrison, StarMetro Ms. Colleen Roland, CRTPA CRTPA Members via November meeting agenda package