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Council approves new Ferno cot for Cascade EMS; ambulance purchase put on hold
Summary
Council approved Resolution No. 101-25 to buy a replacement Ferno INX cot for Cascade EMS after hearing options on refurbished parts versus new and loaner availability. A separate resolution to buy a new ambulance (Res. 102-25) was discussed at length and tabled pending more information on cost, drivetrain (gas vs. diesel) and financing.
Cascade City Council voted Oct. 13 to approve a Ferno INX patient cot for the Cascade EMS service and delayed a decision on purchasing a new ambulance.
EMS staff told the council one cot on rig 351 is malfunctioning and presented repair and replacement options: parts-only repair quoted at about $6,100; refurbished parts from Ferno estimated at $2,700 (about $3,408 less), with a 90-day refurbished parts warranty. Staff said shipping the unit back to Ferno for repair would cost roughly $800 in shipping and labor, and a loaner cot would be available for about two weeks while repairs are made. Onsite technician service was estimated at approximately $1,200–$1,400 for travel and labor. After considering interchangeability concerns for rails and future rig compatibility, several council members supported purchasing the new cot to ensure reliable EMS equipment. Council approved Resolution No. 101-25 by roll call (motion by Oliphant; second by Weber).
Council also discussed Resolution No. 102-25, authorizing purchase of a new ambulance. Staff explained rebuilding the current ambulance box plus chassis would be roughly $290,000; factory new chassis and build estimates ranged from approximately $300,000 to $330,000 depending on specifications. Council debated trade-in value (low for older rigs), the difference between diesel and gasoline models (roughly $10,000 in estimates), and the two- to two-and-a-half-year lead time for a new build. Staff noted available reserves (about $221,000) and annual Jones County EMS contributions (about $20,000–$21,000). After questions and requests for additional information, the council moved to table the ambulance purchase to the next meeting to allow staff to gather more detail on pricing, drivetrain choice and financing options.
Council members emphasized the importance of reliable EMS equipment. One council member said, “This is where we should be spending money, in my opinion,” reflecting support for prioritizing equipment reliability for first responders.
Next steps: staff will return with additional ambulance cost comparisons, financing options and drivetrain analysis for council review at a subsequent meeting.
