Council approves purchase of new ambulance; several surplus vehicles cleared for sale

Mount Vernon City Council approved a set of items related to public safety and fleet management, including authorization to purchase a new ambulance for the Fire Department and adoption of multiple resolutions authorizing disposal or sale of surplus vehicles.

Council adopted Resolution 2025‑28 authorizing the Safety‑Service Director to purchase an ambulance for the Fire Department; the measure was moved and adopted during the meeting after a short committee discussion confirming the purchase was planned and budgeted. During committee, staff noted ambulance lead times can be long (12–36 months depending on type), the city had previously encumbered funds for the unit and that ordering earlier can lock in price.

Separately, the council approved two resolutions authorizing the disposal or sale of police and Public Works vehicles (Resolutions 2025‑21 and 2025‑23). Council members indicated the items will be listed on the GovDeals online auction platform once council approves, and staff said the vehicles are being removed from impound lots and the fleet as they are no longer needed.

Councilmember Seibel moved to suspend rules and adopt the vehicle‑sale resolutions on the same night; both were carried by the council after the suspension motions and adopted in roll calls recorded during the meeting. The Public Works Director and department staff told council the disposals are routine fleet management and part of normal turnover.

The committee discussion also included a brief note that some vehicles had low odometer mileage but had been idle in impound lots for extended periods; staff explained that mileage alone does not capture wear when vehicles are stored. Councilmembers encouraged the public to monitor GovDeals for bidding opportunities once items are posted.