Workshop: Ambulance replacement delayed; board budgets subsidy and moves ahead on dog‑park restroom

City leaders at the budget workshop flagged ambulance fleet replacement and parks capital as near‑term priorities. Staff told the board that new ambulances ordered now would likely not be delivered until 2027, which creates timing choices: construct building modifications in FY26 and defer the vehicle cost to 2027, or proceed with a lease/purchase to address immediate equipment needs. The draft fiscal 2026 budget includes a subsidy for the ambulance enterprise (listed at about $623,000 for FY26 in the packet) to cover operating deficits while the department works on collection and billing changes.

On the fleet question, members discussed purchasing versus leasing. Staff noted long lead times from vendors and recommended planning building modifications now if council wants new vehicles in place when they arrive; several aldermen said an enterprise lease could spread costs but urged careful review of terms. The city will continue to solicit options and return with specific financing scenarios.

Parks staff described several capital items recommended for FY26: a precast restroom at the dog park (presented cost estimate roughly $85,000, leveraging existing utility runs where possible), electrical upgrades in City Park ($15,000), and potential picnic tables and other small capital. The board also asked staff to pursue possible LWCF grant funding for a pavilion to restore a planned park amenity; if the grant is successful the city would be eligible for roughly 50% reimbursement.

Staff will update the draft budget to include the board’s guidance and return with financing scenarios for ambulance replacement and more detailed cost estimates and site plans for the dog‑park restroom and any pavilion grant applications.