BRONSON, MI- (WTVB) – The Bronson Community School Board of Education accepted a proposal from Legendary Diesel of Three Rivers Monday night for vehicle fleet management, preventative maintenance and repair of the district’s busses over the next two years.
A Request for Proposals was sent out in February. District officials said at the time that the R.F.P. was intended to secure the services of an experienced contractor.
Legendary Diesel, which is operated by Bronson native Chad Lindsey, submitted a total bid that was about $12,000 less than the one submitted by Economy Garage, which has been servicing Bronson school buses for over 60 years.
Even though their bid was higher, Larry McConn from Economy Garage said they know the buses and it would be easier for them to maintain the fleet during the anticipated tough economic times ahead since the district may not be buying busses for awhile.
The vote was 5-2 in favor of Legendary Diesel. Board member Dennis Sikorski was among those who voted yes and he was said it was an agonizing decision.
Sikorski said, “it’s hard for me not to justify the savings. With the district cuts that are going have to be made and the loss of state funding, I don’t think we can leave any contract unturned and not look at every single contract the school has.”
The district was looking to enter into a two year contract provided performance in the initial year was satisfactory. The contract starts August 1, 2020.
The contract may be renewed, expanded and extended by mutual agreement for renewal periods of one year. The district can re-bid the contract at any time beyond its two year initial term.
