Commissioners approve purchase of three ambulances via HGAC contract, not to exceed $731,241

Brian Phillips, public safety director, asked commissioners to approve buying one 2026 Dodge Ram Type 1 modular ambulance and two 2026 Ford Transit all‑wheel‑drive QRV ambulances from American Response Vehicles via the HGAC cooperative purchasing contract, with a not‑to‑exceed price of $731,241. Phillips said the purchases were included in the FY 2026 budget and funded through a pandemic recovery project line (EMS ambulance purchases) and that delivery is expected in roughly 12–18 months.

Commissioners asked about fleet rotation, whether the QRVs are replacements or additions, and hospital turnaround times. Phillips said the two QRV vehicles will replace older QRVs with high mileage as part of the county’s fleet management plan; full‑size ambulances typically remain frontline about five years before moving to backup service. Staff reported they track call volume, hospital handover delays and use AVL/CAD to dispatch the closest unit. Phillips said the department will continue monitoring demand and could adjust staffing or vehicle assignments if call volume grows.

The board approved the purchase and authorized the chair to sign contracts upon review by finance and the county attorney. No additional personnel were approved at the meeting; commissioners discussed potential future needs if call volume increases.