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Orange County board approves lease purchase of ambulance after debate on mileage and idling
Summary
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a $392,719 lease‑purchase for a Horton demo ambulance to replace an aging unit, after discussion about replacement timing, idling hours and maintenance costs. The motion passed 4–1.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to lease a Horton stock/demo ambulance at a cost of $392,719, citing long production lead times for custom units and urgent operational needs.
Amanda Amos, who presented the item, told the board that the vendor, FESCO Emergency Sales, could deliver a Horton stock model in roughly 140–160 working days through a cooperative contract with the Houston‑Galveston Area Council. "Cost for this ambulance is $392,719," Amos said, and staff said funding is included in the capital improvements plan through a lease‑purchase agreement.
The county chief for emergency services said the unit would replace an aging vehicle rather than add to the fleet: "We currently have multiple vehicles that are over 200,000 miles," the chief said, describing why staff wants to move toward a mileage‑based replacement rather than a strict six‑year cycle. He also warned that idling at hospitals and during patient transfers imposes wear that is not captured solely by mileage.
Supervisors pressed staff for more detail on maintenance and idling hours, and for a plan to align future purchases with a mileage policy. One member expressed concern about the long‑term cost math of replacing ambulances frequently; another emphasized public safety urgency given the uncertain availability of similar units on the market. After discussion the board approved the lease purchase by roll call, 4–1, with Supervisor Van Hoven voting no.
The board directed staff to review idling‑hour data and vehicle maintenance records and to report back with recommendations for replacement timing and repair‑shop options. The lease purchase is intended to address immediate operational strain while three custom units remain in production with longer, uncertain delivery windows.
