DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Housing & Community Supports
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Contracts With GEST Minn Ventures LLC And DARTS For Transportation Services
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, a Request for Proposal was distributed on April 27, 2026, for expansion of transportation services paid for with Dakota County Transportation Sales and Use Tax allocated to Dakota County Social Services; and
WHEREAS, GEST Minn Ventures LLC and DARTS were selected as providers to expand transportation services; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funding is included in the 2026 Social Services budget and is expected to be authorized in the 2027 County Manager’s Recommended Budget to fund the cost of the contracts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager, or delegate, to execute a contract with GEST Minn Ventures LLC to expand transportation services in an amount not to exceed $276,000 from the period of execution through December 31, 2027, and with DARTS to expand transportation services in an amount not to exceed $276,000 from the period of execution through December 31, 2027, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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BACKGROUND
By Minn. Stat. § 297A.993 counties are authorized to collect a transportation sales and use tax, which Dakota County has been collecting since 2017. The proceeds of the tax can be used for payment of transit operating costs. Dakota County Social Services receives $500,000 in transportation sales and use tax annually. This funding is intended to fill transportation gaps for Dakota County residents with disabilities and older adults. Social Services currently uses transportation sales and use tax funds to pay for volunteer driver services, the jail transportation program, and a local match to a transportation services grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
Social Services issued a Request for ...
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