Oxnard declares urgency and approves purchase of a used paramedic squad to fill immediate operational gap
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Summary
After finding an urgency under the city’s sunshine ordinance, council approved a budget appropriation and a purchase order for a paramedic squad vehicle offered at a discount; staff said the vendor would not hold the vehicle and the purchase avoids a two‑year build time and higher cost.
The Oxnard City Council on Nov. 3 approved an urgent procurement of a used paramedic squad after Fire Chief Alex Hamilton and procurement staff told the council the vendor would not hold the vehicle if the city delayed.
Chief Hamilton said staff first sought grant funding but learned the seller had other buyers interested and would not extend the hold. He said the department lacks a reserve of purpose‑built ambulance/squad vehicles and that converting other vehicles would not safely secure medications and equipment. "They're not gonna wait another two weeks," Hamilton told the council, depicting the offer as a time‑sensitive opportunity that would save the city several months to years in lead time and a substantial premium compared with ordering a new vehicle.
Because the matter was not posted with the usual 12‑day notice, the council first voted on a formal urgency finding under the city’s sunshine ordinance (the motion passed by a 5–1 margin with one abstention) after hearing Chief Hamilton describe the supply chain constraints and vendor timeline. The council then approved the appropriation from the general fund and authorized the mayor to execute a purchase order for the squad; staff said the vehicle will be rebranded and receive necessary equipment installs before frontline use.
Council members praised the chief and staff for moving quickly and asked staff to report back about the final sale price and any shortfall between auction proceeds and costs if related surplus items are later sold. The purchase was carried by the council after the urgency finding.
