The McDonough council reconsidered a proposal to purchase two trolley buses for the city. Following a nearly hour-long discussion, the council voted 4-3 to move forward with buying the new buses.
The council first considered the purchase in August. At the time, the council voted down the acquisition.
McDonough Trolley Buses Purchase
First, what are the trolley buses? The bus has an exterior design meant to resemble an old historic trolley or street car. They are a popular choice among cities to operate as a tourist shuttle. Some cities which operate trolley buses include Newnan, Gainesville and Savannah.
McDonough is considering vehicles manufactured by Model 1 Commercial Vehicles. The company has a service center in College Park, GA. Specifically, McDonough is looking at the “Hometown Trolley Villager 32.” Each vehicle can seat up to 30 passengers. They are also wheelchair-assessable.
In August, the cost to buy each vehicle was $241,026, or $482,052 for two buses. To fund this purchase, the city proposed to use $349 thousand in ARPA funds. The difference, $133,052, would be from the city’s special revenues line item.
Trolley Operations
The city has put forth the idea to start a trolley bus route going back several years. When the topic arose, the conversation has historically focused on making a connection between the town square and South Point shopping center. This goal was part of the city’s most recent comprehensive plan passed in 2023.
McDonough’s assistant city administrator, Andrew Baker, described the service as such:
This is a trolley system with a specific purpose of shuttling around the citizens and visitors that may want to go to the square and to the local attractions here in McDonough. This is not a bus transit system. This is a system to connect the tourists to destinations we have here in McDonough.
At the October 3 council meeting, city staff expressed a few other points of interest for the trolley bus. They include the following:
- McDonough Square
- Southern Crescent Technical College
- Heritage Park
- Richard Craig Park
- Blacksville Community
- Alexander Park
- South Point
In addition, the staff’s presentation offered possible operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday
12 noon to 9 pm (every two hours)
These operating hours would require two part-time drivers to operate. The estimated drivers’ cost to the city would be $50,000.
A map displaying the potential bus route was not yet available. According to staff, they wanted the council’s input to determine which locations should be part of the route before finalizing it.
Council Comments
Discussion in August focused on a number of questions about the possible trolley bus, such as the cost to operate it. That discussion continued at the October 3 meeting.
Councilman Scott Reeves remarked “a lot of people do not consider McDonough to be a destination…we do not have things to make us a destination like Savannah.” He continued “I don’t think the Main Street board has been polled. I don’t think tourism has been polled.” He sought support from all parties involved before the city moved forward.
Reeves suggested the city conduct a test service before buying the vehicles. He said “I think it will be worth it to do a test for one month or three months.” Reeves continued by suggesting other points of interest, such as the Polk Museum, city cemetery and camera museum. He offered the trolley could be a catalyst to improve the city, but Reeves cautioned against buying the buses before the city was ready for them.
Mayor Sandra Vincent responded to Reeves’ comments:
I do not have a problem with engaging any of the organizations you mentioned, but this is not about only downtown. That is why we did not pull Main Street in other than the director. We have been trying for three years with tourism to partner on these destinations. We have many destinations that we would like to lift up.
She continued “we have probably forty projects lined up based on council’s actions.” She alluded to upcoming improvements at city parks, such as Big Springs Park, and renovating the historic train depot. Vincent continued “if we do not purchase this trolley now, then the price will increase…McDonough is a destination. There is no way that it cannot be.” Vincent closed “we want to put systems in place that will make McDonough the best that it can be.”
Reeves continued “I think, based on the investment, that it’s not wise to rush into [this purchase]…I don’t think we are ready to vote on this tonight.” Reeves made a motion to deny the trolley bus purchase. His motion died for lack of a second.
Council Motion and Vote
Councilman Payton made a motion to approve the purchase seconded by Mayor Vincent. The mayor added an amendment that the purchase price shall not exceed $250 thousand per vehicle.
Reeves remarked he believed the city was in violation of its policies by not procuring bids for the trolley bus purchase. Mayor Vincent and city staff shared in the meeting they believed the company, Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, to be a sole-source provider for the trolley buy. A formal bid is not required for sole-source providers of goods and services.
Council woman Vanessa Thomas asked the council if they could solicit quotes for the purchase. Mayor Vincent responded they would receive quotes, but she wanted a confirmation by the council whether to move forward or stop pursuing the idea.
Reeves continued “this is creating a department at the city and a burden to the city to move forward. There’s been no discussion about how revenue might pay it back; what the prices will be. We are trying to buy something. It’s still not a plan how it will operate day-to-day, and how it will be funded. This is the citizens’ money, it’s not our money, and we are being foolish about it tonight.”
Vincent closed “it’s really easy. If you don’t want it, you don’t want it. All we need to do is vote.”
The motion to buy two trolley buses passed by a 4-3 vote. The vote was the following: Mayor Vincent, Council members Burt, Payton and Thomas in favor (4); and Council members Reeves, Stewart and Varner opposed (3).
Mayor Vincent asked staff to proceed forward with receiving quotes for the trolley buses before purchasing them, and report back to the city council.
Featured image shows the city of Newnan trolley bus. Newnan photo from The City Menus.
