Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/122777
Sarasota News Leader April 19, 2013 Page 35 Commissioner Robin DiSabatino said, "It was When Manatee Commissioner DiSabatino music to my ears, because [that corridor] has asked whether he had any private firms in been left behind." mind, Hunzeker responded that he did not. If the two boards approved an interlocal agreeDiSabatino pointed out that U.S 301 in Manament, he said, one of the counties would have tee County has much less density than it does its procurement office prepare a request for in Sarasota County. proposals to seek a firm. BUS SYSTEMS "The question is who would submit the best During a discussion about the Sarasota Coun- proposal for this region and how it fits within ty and Manatee County bus systems, Hunzeker the boards' needs and the [counties'] needs," pointed out that some economic efficiencies Hunzeker added. probably could be gained if the two counties Sarasota Chairwoman Carolyn Mason asked, hired one private firm to operate both bus sys- "At what point do we go to the community and tems. say, 'Hey, this is what we're talking about'? The counties would continue to own and pay This isn't the way that the public should find out about it," she pointed out. "I think it's just for the systems, he said. really important that the public be brought in In an earlier career, Hunzeker noted, he spent on the front end than from the middle or the 10 years with an authority in the St. Louis area back." that contracted out the operation of bus services in six counties across two states, "and Many opportunities exist for bringing the public into the discussion, Hunzeker told her, it was quite successful." especially in regard to proposals for expandHunzeker pointed out that an interlocal agree- ing the bus systems, use of passes and fees. ment would be necessary for the county staffs "Those are all questions that we should seek to proceed on a regional proposal. public input on as we go down the path." When Manatee Commissioner Benac asked Manatee Commissioner Vanessa Baugh notwhether the counties would be better posied that news media coverage of the meeting tioned to gain federal funding — which pays would alert the public to the discussion. for much of their bus system costs — if they had one operator, Hunzeker replied, "I think Barbetta made the motion to have Sarasota we would like to think so." Usually federal County Administrator Randall Reid work with and state officials are more amenable to fund- Hunzeker on the interlocal agreement, which would lead to the request for proposals for a ing regional systems, he noted. private firm to operate the systems. Sarasota Commissioner Barbetta pointed out that a regional approach probably would Manatee Commissioner John R. Chappie made make it easier for the counties to continue to the motion for his board. Both motions won obtain federal grants. unanimous approval. %