Selma Council approves $271,923 ambulance purchase to keep fleet on replacement schedule

The Selma City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the purchase of a Type 3 Ford E-350 ambulance, approving Resolution 2025-127R and directing the city manager or designee to execute the associated procurement documents.

Fire Chief Webster presented the measure and told the council the order is being placed now because of long manufacturing lead times. "For your consideration this evening is the purchase of a new ambulance," Webster said, adding the unit will be received in 2027 and paid for on delivery. The purchase price listed in staff materials is $271,923.36, to be paid from the city's ambulance fund and included in the FY 2026–27 budget.

Webster said the department currently operates six ambulances and follows a replacement cadence to maintain service and reduce maintenance costs. He described changes in component pricing that contributed to a modest $1,500 increase since an earlier approval in September and said the city will not issue payment until the vehicle is delivered and inspected.

Mayor Robertson and council members highlighted service-area growth and mutual-aid responsibilities as reasons to maintain the replacement schedule. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting "Yes." The city staff will execute an HGAC purchase agreement and return to council or the manager's office with the delivery timeline and final inspection process.

The next procedural step is contract execution and placement in the manufacturer queue; the delivery window given by staff is spring 2027.