Council approves purchase of Ferno INX cot for Cascade EMS

Cascade City Council voted to approve the purchase of a Ferno INX cot for Cascade EMS on Oct. 13, 2025, via the resolution on the agenda.

Councilmember Oliphant moved to approve the resolution; Councilmember Weber seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Oliphant, Weber, Hush, Gale and Delaney voting Aye.

EMS staff told the council two cots had shown malfunctions and described repair and replacement options. Staff provided parts-only estimates: about $6,100 for new parts versus roughly $2,700 if refurbished parts from Ferno were used, a difference of about $3,408. Staff said refurbished parts carry a 90-day warranty from the vendor but advised there is some risk refurbished components may fail sooner than new parts.

Council discussion focused on reliability for emergency responders and continuity of service. "I make a motion to purchase a new cot," Councilmember Oliphant said before the vote. Councilmembers expressed support for prioritizing reliable equipment for EMS personnel.