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Finance Committee approves $300,000 purchase of used ambulance from Kewaston Fire Department
Summary
The Finance Committee approved a resolution to appropriate funds to buy a used ambulance from Kewaston Fire Department for $300,000 after staff described fleet gaps and cost comparisons between new and used vehicles.
The Finance Committee on Jan. 6 approved a resolution to appropriate funds to purchase a used ambulance from the Kewaston Fire Department for $300,000, after the Fire Chief told members the purchase would expand the city’s fleet and provide operational redundancy.
Fire Chief (name not specified) said, “We currently have 4 ambulances in operation right now,” and described occasions when all four units were out on calls and the department had to request mutual aid. He presented options the department considered — buying a new ambulance (estimated at roughly $400,000 to $500,000 including equipment) versus a used unit similar to West Bend’s configuration — and said the city negotiated a $300,000 price for a 2020 chassis delivered in 2021 with about 40,000 miles.
Why it matters: The purchase would add a fifth ambulance to the fleet, including a second four‑wheel‑drive unit that the chief said would be beneficial in winter conditions. The Finance Committee approved the appropriation on a voice vote.
The chief said the used ambulance is in “remarkable condition,” had recent preventative maintenance and new front tires, and that a mechanical inspection by an outside vendor (Reliant) found it to be mechanically sound. He estimated the vehicle could provide another eight to 10 years of service.
Committee members asked operational and procedural questions. One member clarified that buying the unit is unrelated to the city’s mutual aid and service consolidation with the Village of Culascan. Another asked how many units the department would have after the purchase; the chief answered, “We have 4, this will make 5 units.” Alderman Sparks, who said he has experience specifying ambulances, observed the prices were “right in the ballpark.”
Alderman Allen moved the motion to approve and Alderman Bergquist seconded. The committee called the question by voice: “All those in favor signal by saying Aye… Any opposed? Motion carries.”
Provenance: Chief’s presentation and committee discussion are recorded in the Finance Committee portion of the Jan. 6 transcript.
Next steps: The resolution passed at the committee will be processed by city finance per the appropriation procedure; staff indicated the city will complete the purchase after the appropriation is finalized.
