Niles Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) could save more than $40,000 a year if it begins to use in-house staff.

Currently the city transportation system contracts with McDonald Transit Associates, which provides staffing and help with day-to-day operations. But Kelly Getman-Dissette, the city transportation coordinator, says Dial-A-Ride is now capable of running the service without McDonald.

If DART goes in-house, the plan would be to maintain the same staff but make them city employees.

“We don’t want to lose the knowledge,” Getman-Dissette said. “We’re looking to make this transition as smooth as possible.”

Currently there are 15 employees, three of them full-time. The full-time employees would have the standard benefits package offered to city employees, while part-timers would have no benefits.

If the plan is enacted, the service would also advertise for a new manager. The present manager would be able to apply for the position.

City Administrator Terry Eull said that given the recent cuts in funding from the state, this would be a good way to save money.

“This is being proactive,” Eull said.

Eull also said that within two years, DART may look to consolidate its services with those in other nearby municipalities, like Buchanan, to further cut costs.

The council took no action on the recommendation from Getman-Dissette, but Mayor Mike McCauslin gave her the go-ahead to continue developing a plan.

DART is funded by a city transit millage, federal and state grants and passenger fares.