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Commission approves $155,128 payment to secure ambulance remount amid budget confusion
Summary
Facing the risk of losing a critical ambulance, Hampshire County commissioners voted to pay a $155,128 remount invoice to Carolina Remounts and directed the clerk to allocate funds despite concerns about timing and available reserves.
The Hampshire County Commission voted Jan. 27 to pay $155,128 to Carolina Remounts to complete an ambulance remount after staff said the work had been budgeted but communication and cash timing created confusion about which fund would pay.
Staff explained a remount — refurbishing the ambulance box and mounting it on a new chassis — saves roughly half the cost of a complete new ambulance, which commissioners said typically costs about $300,000. The purchase was presented as budgeted under capital outlay/non-ordinance accounts, but projected revenues did not materialize as expected, leaving the county’s no‑fee account under strain.
Commissioners debated available reserves and whether to use the stabilization/rainy‑day accounts. One commissioner said, “if we don't pay them for it, we're gonna lose our ambulance, and we need the ambulance,” as the meeting underscored the operational necessity of the vehicle. After discussion and proposals to clarify policy and budgeting processes, the commission directed the clerk to allocate funds and approved payment to Carolina Remounts; the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners also encouraged staff to draft clearer policies and workflows so comparable purchases and budgeting decisions are communicated in advance.
