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Residents question $400,000 ambulance line and storage of derelict ambulances as EMS week proclamation is approved
Summary
Public commenters asked why the budget included $400,000 for a new ambulance and urged an exit plan for older vehicles stored near the Mayo River Rail Trail; the board proclaimed EMS Week and later debated but ultimately did not remove the ambulance line from the CIP.
Residents used the public comment period to question a proposed $400,000 allocation for a new ambulance and to urge the board to require plans for removed vehicles now stored near a county trail.
Kurt Bosemeyer, a resident of the Smith River District, told the board he supported purchasing vehicles needed for service but wanted clarity on whether the $400,000 purchase would replace an in-service ambulance or expand the fleet. "Anyone who has walked the Mayo River Rail Trail recently cannot help but notice that there are 2 dead ambulances being stored near the maintenance building," Bosemeyer said. He urged the county to "consider requiring an exit plan for these vehicles before adding more to the fleet," noting trail upgrades could increase tourism and that derelict vehicles near the trail would be harmful to that image.
At the meeting the board adopted a proclamation designating May 18'24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week and thanked both paid and volunteer EMS providers. The proclamation was moved and seconded and the board voted to approve it unanimously.
During budget deliberations the ambulance line item drew discussion: staff noted ambulance delivery timelines typically exceed 12 months and mentioned remanufactured options with a new chassis and reconditioned box available near $300,000. A motion to remove the $400,000 ambulance from the FY2025-26 budget was made and seconded but failed in the board vote; the board left the ambulance allocation in the CIP for now.
Why it matters: The question ties public-safety planning, procurement timing, vehicle disposition and tourism impacts together. Residents pressed for a policy on disposal and reuse of replaced county vehicles; supervisors debated procurement timing, grant possibilities, and alternatives that could reduce cost.
Next steps: Staff and supervisors discussed grant timelines and remanufacture options; the CIP line for the ambulance remains under board review for future action.
