The Borough of Ramsey on Wednesday adopted Ordinance 09-2025 to authorize capital improvements that include purchasing a new senior bus and contributing $70,000 toward a replacement ambulance for the Ramsey Ambulance Corps.

Councilwoman Jane Woods, who serves as the council liaison to senior services, said the current senior bus has reached the end of its useful life and that borough officials, the senior trustee board and a local private donor worked together to identify vehicle specifications. Woods said a private donation of "over $70,000" has been secured toward the bus purchase.

Borough Administrator (Mr. Vose) told the council the purchase of the senior bus is being procured under the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission cooperative purchasing contract for $142,272.24. He also provided figures on the ambulance purchase: the total cost for the new ambulance is $371,328.90; the Ramsey Ambulance Corps will provide $301,328.90 (about 81% of the cost) and the borough will remit $70,000 directly to the dealer. Vose said the two organizations will issue separate payments to the vendor, First Priority Emergency Vehicles, under a cooperative contract.

Council discussion noted that one ambulance recently broke down during a patient transport and the repair would be approximately $30,000; given the vehicle's condition council members and ambulance leadership had moved forward with the replacement plan. Woods said the borough will not incur debt for the bus because funds come from the capital improvement account.

The council conducted a public hearing on the ordinance (no public comments were heard) and then held a roll-call vote; recorded votes were: Councilwoman Judy Cusick — Yes; Councilman (listed in transcript variously) Gutweeter/Gutwecker — Yes; Councilman Kilman — Yes; Councilman Pablo/Popolo — Yes; Councilwoman Poppy — Yes; Councilwoman Jane Woods — Yes. The ordinance was adopted.