Whitestown Fire Board backs recommendation for prepayment option to secure new video laryngoscopes

Whitestown — On July 2 the Whitestown Fire Board recommended that the Town Council support a prepayment to secure two video laryngoscopes and charging cradles for Whitestown ambulances, after the vendor indicated it requires full prepayment and the town’s procurement rules limit government prepayments.

Chief Cunningham described the purchase as an equipment update for each ambulance: two video laryngoscopes plus charging cradles so each ambulance has one device. He said the department’s current devices are unsupported and out of date, and that the quoted purchase would not exceed $6,818 for the recommended purchase. The chief requested the board recommend purchase approval in case payment arrangements are resolved before council action.

Board members discussed procurement limits and payment method alternatives. A board member noted the vendor was asking for 100% prepayment but said town statute generally limits government prepayments to 50%; the group discussed whether the chief could use a department p-card (credit card) to complete the purchase and thereby receive equipment before final council action. Legal staff and the chief were working to confirm whether the vendor would accept a 50% prepayment or whether a credit-card payment was required.

A board member moved and later amended the motion to give a favorable recommendation to the Town Council specifically for the prepayment authorization; the amended motion passed. One member who identified themselves as being on the Town Council abstained from the vote; the board recorded the motion as carried and will forward the recommendation to the council for final authorization. The chief was directed to continue working with legal on acceptable payment arrangements.