Title
Addition to the aging staffing table for a full-time van driver position, range 15.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the addition to the Aging staffing table.
Background: An increase of $50,000 in FTA Section 5307 funding was obtained by Wichita Transit and was included in the annual inter-local agreement with the County approved by the Board of County Commission on November 24, 2010. Wichita Transit was also awarded capital assistance and obtained a wheelchair accessible minivan for our program to help meet the growing needs. The lease agreement with the City of Wichita for this vehicle was approved by the Board of County Commission on August 31, 2011.
A request for an exception to the County’s current hiring freeze was submitted to the Vacancy Review Committee for a full-time van driver and was approved on September 20, 2011. The new driver will provide demand response, door-to-door, wheelchair accessible transportation utilizing the leased vehicle from Wichita Transit. Estimated start date of employment is November 16, 2011.
Alternatives: Without another full-time Van Driver to provide accessible transportation to the outlying areas where demand has increased and contractors have eliminated or cannot provide service, the growing needs of the mobility impaired in our community will not be met. Private pay transportation service is unaffordable to most seeking wheelchair transport. A lack of affordable means of accessing medical care or other essential needs such as food, medications and social services leads to declining health, institutionalization or even death.
Financial Considerations: Salary for the new full-time Van Driver is reimbursable. Internal order 34056-254 (Transportation) has been established since 2004. Sufficient funding exists within the allocated grant award.
Legal Considerations: None.
Policy Considerations: The expansion is necessary due to pressing and growing community needs for wheelchair accessible transportation in the communities surrounding Wichita and a lack of affordable alternatives to the public.