El Campo council approves $262,975 purchase of Type 1 ambulance, authorizes manager to approve up to 10% in change orders

The El Campo City Council approved the purchase of a Frasier Type 1 ambulance for $262,975 and authorized the city manager to approve change orders up to 10 percent.

Ed Garrett presented the request and said the quoted price covers the ambulance mounting on the chassis; the chassis itself will be purchased later and is estimated at roughly $68,000–$70,000. Garrett told the council that equipment installed in the ambulance often adds substantially to total cost — staff estimated equipment could be another $200,000–$300,000 on top of the quoted vehicle — and that the city has historically secured about $100,000–$125,000 in grants to offset portions of this purchase.

Garrett described long production lead times: once the chassis reaches the upfitter the conversion is relatively quick, but a backlog in orders has stretched delivery schedules. He said the city will not have to pay until delivery; the order is intended for budgeting into fiscal year 2028 with an expected delivery around October 2027.

Council members asked about fleet size and lifespan. Garrett said the city typically keeps five ambulances (one transfer van and four Type 1 units), two staffed 24/7, one staffed on weekdays and one maintained as a reserve. He said boxes can be remounted historically but grant rules in recent years make new boxes financially preferable in some cases. He estimated an ideal service life of up to 10 years but noted mechanical problems can require earlier replacement.

A council member moved to purchase the Frasier Type 1 ambulance in the amount of $262,975 and to authorize change orders up to 10 percent; another member seconded. The presiding officer called for a voice vote and announced the motion passed (tally not specified).