Southaven approves emergency $356,497 ambulance purchase amid national shortage

The Southaven Board of Aldermen voted to authorize an emergency purchase of an ambulance priced at $356,497, citing a nationwide supply shortage and a local shortage after a department unit was stolen and wrecked.

City Attorney Nick Manley told the board that a typical order lead time for ambulances is about 30 months and that a previously ordered unit remains delayed. Manley said the city currently has five ambulances, one of which is an older reserve unit, and that the purchase was necessary “to ensure we have enough ambulances to respond.”

Mayor (presiding) moved the resolution and Alderman Wheeler seconded; the motion passed on roll call. During discussion, Alderman Flores asked whether the city expected any insurance reimbursement for the stolen vehicle. Manley said the city should receive insurance proceeds but that the amount was not yet certain and that any recovery would likely be applied toward the purchase price.

Manley described the purchase as an emergency action required because of the nationwide shortage and the city’s immediate operational need. He said the city has adjusted some policies and procedures after the theft but did not detail those changes in public comments.

The board approved the emergency purchase during the meeting; no further implementation dates were specified on the record.

Ending: The purchase returns Southaven to a functional ambulance rotation in the short term pending delivery schedules and any insurance recoveries.