A routine agreement for using school buses by Prince William County government agencies was anything but routine Tuesday, as the Board of County Supervisors raised sharp concerns over dramatic cost increases and deferred the decision for further negotiations.
The board voted 5-2 to defer action on the agreement until April 8, after supervisors questioned a 72% hike in hourly rates and a 66% jump in mileage fees proposed by Prince William County Public Schools.
The agreement would allow county departments—primarily Parks and Recreation—to use PWCS buses and drivers for programs such as summer camps and events like the Neabsco Boardwalk Holiday Walk of Lights. The proposed rate change would increase the hourly rate from $32 to $55 and the mileage fee from $1.50 to $2.50. A new clause would also require the county to provide insurance for the use of school buses—another point that drew criticism.
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