By Eamon Baird
TROY — The Miami County Commissioners authorized a grant of $80,620 to Community Rides of Troy for two new vehicles at their meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12.
This one-time contribution will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the local 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Commissioner Greg Simmons read the following statement regarding the grant for Community Rides.
“The board is pleased to support Community Rides through this grant. They provide a vital service to our community by providing dependable transportation for rates that enable our talented workforce to get to the many great businesses that we have in Miami County. In 2023 they provided over 8,000 rides to get employees to companies like Clopay, Meijer Distribution, Honda, Conagra, Kettering hospitals, Premier hospitals, and many others.
Transportation was identified in our Workforce Needs Assessment as one of the most vital factors for our workforce and businesses in the county. We feel that the work Community Rides, in collaboration with Miami County Transit, is a vital piece ensuring that Miami County remains one of the state’s best places for business.”
“I just want to say thank you very much for this donation,” said Beth Taylor, director of Community Rides. “I can’t describe how much this will help our business. Now we don’t have to worry about our vehicles breaking down.”
“I want to thank you for the understanding of our program, how it helps the individuals, the businesses, and the whole community,” said Jim Taylor, board president of Community Rides.
“All three of us [commissioners] have said multiple times thank you for what your organization does because, without it, the employment situation would look tremendously different.” Commissioner Wade Westfall said.
“The quality-of-life in Troy and Miami County is great, and it’s great because of people like the Taylors’ who take the time and put endless hours in this and just adds to the quality-of-life. I want to say thank you,” Commissioner Ted Mercer added.
For more information on Community Rides visit their website troycommunityrides.org.
In other business, the commissioners approved or authorized the following resolutions:
• A change order for the paving of four driveways at the Miami County Fairgrounds to increase by $3,283.50 due to a change in quantities and materials for the project. The updated total contract is $77,729.50.
• To set a bid date of Tuesday, Oct. 21 for the Tipp-Elizabeth Road Bridge construction project as requested by the county engineer.
• The Sheriff’s annual report of fines and costs for August.
• To sign employee requisitions for a new part-time kennel assistant for the Miami County Animal Shelter at a pay rate of $16 per hour due to the departure of Kaitlyn Stanislaw.
