The Buckfield Select Board on July 15 heard a detailed briefing from Buckfield Rescue staff about replacing Unit 451, a 2013 ambulance with roughly 111,000 miles, and asked the rescue service to return with repair estimates and a menu of replacement options.

Why it matters: Emergency medical-service capacity depends on reliable ambulances. The department warned that, without immediate steps, the town could soon be down to a single functioning ambulance and face service and contractual shortfalls.

Deputy Chief Ben (Buckfield Rescue) told the board the unit's chassis and body need significant work and that remounting the box is costly and may be delayed by vendor availability. He said earlier remount quotes had been in the roughly $180,000 range and that a fully new, remounted vehicle can be substantially more; by contrast, used ambulances on the market varied widely in price. The rescue team presented three practical paths:

- Repair/Remount: Have Unit 451 remounted or repaired and continue the 10-year replacement rotation. Prior quotes for remounts were in the neighborhood of $180,000; remount vendors currently have lead times that can reach a year or longer.
- Buy used: Purchase a used ambulance chassis and transfer equipment. The department found used options under the town's current CIP estimate (the town's working budget figure discussed was $120,000), with quoted vehicles ranging across the market; some used units found in research were under $100,000, others much higher.
- New vehicle via financing/voter approval: Ask voters to authorize a new ambulance purchase and financing (multi-year note). A brand-new remounted ambulance can cost several hundred thousand dollars and may have a year or more lead time.

Department and board members emphasized that remount options are limited and can be expensive; in recent years remount and new-vehicle costs rose sharply. The deputy chief said the town's older vehicles have been costly to maintain this year and that the town has roughly $20,000 in the ambulance capital account at present.

Board questions and next steps: Select Board members asked for a clear set of numbers. The board directed the rescue leadership to obtain (a) written estimates for the necessary bodywork and repairs to make Unit 451 pass next year's inspection, (b) a short list of used ambulances meeting the town's safety and 4x4 preferences and within the ~ $120,000 CIP threshold, and (c) estimates for potential short-term measures (leasing, interim replacement) and for sale value of Unit 451 to recoup funds. The board also asked staff to confirm inspection timing and to return with a recommendation and cost comparisons at the next meeting cycle.

Operational note: Rescue staff said parts of the fleet already required recent repairs, the service is shouldering extra maintenance costs, and if Unit 451 becomes unavailable the service could be reduced until a replacement is secured.

Ending: The Select Board did not approve a specific purchase or repair at the July 15 meeting; it asked the rescue department to bring back written bids and a short list of used and remounted vehicles so elected officials and the public can consider costs and timing before any capital or borrowing decisions.