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New Canaan approves $14,030 increase to EMS ambulance purchase order, EMS will cover fit‑out costs
Summary
Selectmen voted unanimously to increase a previously approved purchase order for a 2026 AEV Type 3 ambulance after model‑year and equipment upgrades raised the price by $14,030; New Canaan EMS will pay roughly $62,068 in fit‑out costs and the town plans to sell the replaced vehicle on GovDeals.
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on Dec. 16 unanimously approved increasing a previously authorized purchase order for a replacement ambulance after the vendor updated the chassis and the EMS corps requested equipment upgrades.
Town staff said the original order was placed in 2023 with an original approved purchase price of $279,349. Because the build schedule and chassis changed, the vendor provided a revised total of $293,003.79 — an increase of $14,030. New Canaan EMS representatives told the board they will provide a check for the $14,030 and will separately pay about $62,068 in fit‑out costs, covering radios, radio installation, graphics and a powered stretcher loader.
Staff described the equipment upgrades that contributed to the increase: a chassis model‑year update, an upgraded Whelen core warning‑light system designed to synchronize emergency lights and reduce driver confusion, improved scene and warning lights, and a 360‑degree backup camera system to improve vehicle safety. Selectmen and EMS discussed supply‑chain delays that have extended typical manufacturer lead times from roughly 160 days to about two years for certain vehicles.
After the vehicle is accepted, staff said the town will list the older vehicle for sale on GovDeals with a $50,000 minimum bid; the town retains sale proceeds and the EMS corps will be reimbursed for at least the $14,030 outlay. The board recorded the motion to increase the purchase order, seconded and passed it unanimously.
The board directed staff to increase the town purchase order and proceed with acceptance and sale procedures. No individual vote counts were recorded in the transcript.
