Thanks Carl for letting us know about this! If a private contractor could really do it for about half, then I don't understand why you might think StarMetro wouldn't want to renew their contract? This would seem to be quite a money-maker for them, so is there some other reason why they wouldn't want to do it (that you could at least guess at)? Also, can you tell me who Coleen Roland works for? thanks. Chip ------------------------------ Chip Orange Database Administrator Florida Public Service Commission Chip.Orange@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (850) 413-6314 (Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Florida Public Service Commission.) ________________________________ From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of carl mccoy Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 10:44 AM To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [tabi] major change proposed for TDC coordinator At the meeting of the transportation disadvantaged coordinating board this afternoon Coleen Roland proposed we vote on canceling our contract with Star Metro as our administrative agency in January 201. The rational was that it would save money that could be used for rides. Currently the administrative cost with Star Metro is approximately 280 Thousand, out of a budget of 1.3 Million. She estimated by going to a private contractor we could save half of that. Anyway this was so unexpected and in fact it was not even on the agenda, a couple of us objected, and insisted that we have more time to study the issue, it was delayed until next Wednesday for a special meeting of the board at 4 o'clock. This may be a good plan particularly if it increases the rides available, but we need to think this through carefully. Next Wednesday will not be a public meeting, but in the mean time I welcome any ideas or input from all of you. Simply post it to TABI. I should add if the contract is terminated in January, they propose Big Bend as the coordinator or administrator until an RFP can be developed for bids from private providers, that would be implemented in July of 2010 I am sure is confusing to you as it is to me, but apparently it has already been discussed with city officials and Star Metro, and it is probably a done deal, since Star Metro is under no obligation to renew their contract. Now time for your input. Carl