The Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 30 approved four one‑year agreements with local transit providers intended to maintain service while the county finalizes a countywide transit plan.

The contracts, presented as a grouped motion by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, passed on a roll call the clerk recorded as 16 yeas and 2 nays after a protracted debate over whether the county should instead issue three‑year contracts to help providers pursue multi‑year grants.

Commissioner Joseph Gingell offered a friendly amendment to extend the agreements’ termination dates from Dec. 31, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2028, saying a three‑year term would allow providers to apply for grants that require longer contract terms. Gingell’s amendment was seconded by Commissioner Hoffman but failed on a 9‑9 tie, after which the main motion passed.

Supporters of the one‑year term, including Commissioner Gwen Marco and county staff, argued the shorter term ensures the agreement aligns with the countywide transit plan that is still being completed and adopted. “A one‑year agreement allows for, in the next three to five months, the development of that transit plan,” Marco said during committee debate, adding that a longer contract should follow adoption of an implementation strategy.

Eli Cooper, manager of the county transit office, told commissioners that providers submitted more than 200 comments on the draft local implementation section and that the consultant is reviewing those comments. Cooper said a revised package should be available for provider review in mid to late November, after which the county will reconvene project teams, providers and other stakeholders.

Several commissioners expressed concern about provider engagement and the risk of service interruption during any transition. Commissioner Brendan Johnson and others pushed back against claims providers had been excluded, noting routine monthly meetings and outreach by transit staff; Commissioner Nelson urged the county to do better at ensuring all local providers have a meaningful seat at the table.

The contracts were adopted with vote tallies recorded by the clerk as 16 yeas and 2 nays. The board heard, but did not adopt, a motion to postpone the contracts until December; that postponement failed on a roll call.

Why it matters: The agreements keep funded service in place for vulnerable riders while the county’s longer‑term plan is refined. Providers and commissioners disagree on the right contract length and the speed of implementation, a debate that could affect grant eligibility, service continuity and consolidation decisions that may follow from the final plan.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to amend contracts to three‑year terms (Gingell amendment): failed, 9 yays, 9 nays.
- Main motion approving items 15 a–d (grouped contracts with one‑year term): passed, 16 yays, 2 nays.

Speakers (selected)
- Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, mover (Oakland County Board of Commissioners)
- Commissioner Brendan Johnson (Oakland County Board of Commissioners)
- Commissioner Gwen Marco (Commissioner; Finance Chair)
- Eli Cooper, Transit Manager, Oakland County Transit Office

Clarifying details
- Contract term proposed in the original motion: through 12/31/2026.
- Gingell amendment sought to extend contract term to 12/31/2028.
- Clerk-reported final vote on main motion: 16 yeas, 2 nays.

Provenance
- topicintro: tc_start: "59:40", tc_end: "59:50", evidence_excerpt: "Regular agenda item, under 15, economic development infrastructure..." (reason_code: "topicintro")
- topfinish: tc_start: "97:10", tc_end: "97:20", evidence_excerpt: "Mr. Chair, there are 16. Yes, 2 nays... The contracts are approved." (reason_code: "topicfinish")