Randolph County approves purchase of four ambulances and three SUVs to refresh emergency fleet

Randolph County commissioners on July 1 approved two separate vehicle procurements for public safety: four Type-1 ambulances and three Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 SUVs.

Donovan, the county's emergency services representative, told the board that a prior purchase order for two ambulances had been canceled after supplier delays; the county sought to buy four ambulances — two carryovers and two for the new fiscal year — from Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus for $1,360,140 (about $340,035 each). The board also approved a budget amendment to carry forward $680,070 to cover the canceled order. The motion authorized the county manager to sign associated purchase documents.

Commissioners asked about fleet counts and how the county repurposes older ambulances. Donovan said the county runs 11 ambulances daily, and vehicles removed from emergency service are often repurposed to other county uses — examples given included mobile library, soil and water mobile education, cooperative extension and other county departments — or sold at auction.

The board separately approved buying three 4x4 Chevrolet Tahoes from Capital Chevrolet of Raleigh under the North Carolina state contract for $159,021 total ($53,007 per vehicle) to replace aging quick-response units. Commissioners were told two of the replaced vehicles will be repurposed within county departments.

Why it matters: Ambulance and rapid-response vehicle availability affects the county's ability to meet medical transport and emergency coverage standards. The purchases include carry-forward funding for prior-year orders canceled because of supplier issues.

What the meeting record shows: Both procurements passed on voice votes and the county manager was authorized to sign purchase documents and associated budget amendments.