Rutherford County officials provided an important update on the new Transportation Operations Center for the county school system during the Board of Commissioners meeting on August 4, 2025. The project, which has been in the works since 2022, aims to enhance the efficiency of school transportation services and address the limitations of the outdated facilities.

County Manager Steve Garrison reported that the total cost of the project has risen to approximately $16.1 million, exceeding initial estimates due to inflation and increased costs for fixtures and equipment. The county commissioners approved an additional $1.1 million from the school capital reserve debt service fund to cover these expenses. Despite the budget increase, Garrison expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, noting that the facility has been operational for several months and has already received its certificate of occupancy.

The new Transportation Operations Center, located on the site of the former RS Middle School, features 12 modern bays equipped with state-of-the-art technology, significantly improving the working conditions for mechanics and staff. The previous bus garage, built in 1959, was inadequate, with only four bays, two of which were drive-through, making it difficult for staff to perform maintenance on larger buses.

In addition to the Transportation Operations Center update, the meeting also covered various budget amendments. These included reallocations for the home-delivered program, public safety software, and funding for Isothermal Community College's new building. The college is seeking $1.6 million for furniture and equipment, a significant reduction from earlier estimates.

The commissioners emphasized the importance of these projects in enhancing community services and infrastructure. As the county moves forward, the completion of the Transportation Operations Center is expected to greatly benefit the school system and improve transportation efficiency for students.