Warren County commissioners voted to ratify an emergency purchase of a replacement ambulance and approved an additional appropriation of $260,000 to ensure the vehicle and its equipment can be completed and put into service.

County staff said the replacement is meant to restore service after the chassis that caught fire was declared a total loss. The board authorized using rainy-day funds for the appropriation so the county can mount a new box on the chassis and outfit the vehicle with necessary communications equipment.

The county’s emergency-services update said the new ambulance purchase was timed to get the unit into service as soon as possible; the county ordered the replacement chassis in 2023 for delivery in 2026. Staff emphasized the $260,000 figure reflects the vehicle purchase plus radios and related equipment. "We need to increase it to $260,000 to cover the radios and stuff," a county staff member said during the meeting.

Commissioners discussed insurance proceeds from the totaled vehicle and noted insurance receipts go to County General and cannot be returned immediately to rainy-day funds; staff said year-end accounting could restore funds to rainy-day if no other emergencies arise. "End of the year, we'll be able to put it back on a rainy day," a county official said when commissioners asked about the insurance settlement.

The board also heard an operational update from Warren County EMS: a community paramedic SUV and other new equipment are arriving later in the year; the EMS representative said the agency is aiming to start the community paramedic program in November. The board voted to ratify the purchase and approve the appropriation; a motion to take funds from the rainy-day account passed unanimously.

The county will track final costs and any insurance reimbursement; staff said additional encumbrances for 2026 will follow if the vehicle comes in later than expected.