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Supervisors defer ambulance purchase amid staffing, overtime and budget concerns
Summary
Jefferson County supervisors debated whether to spend $302,000 set aside for a new ambulance, with concerns about overtime, staffing and there being alternatives such as repairing the 2016 rig, buying used vehicles or staging replacements. Board agreed to delay action until budget talks and to obtain repair/inspection estimates.
Jefferson County supervisors paused a planned ambulance purchase on the county's contingency fund, deciding instead to wait for more budget detail and to collect repair and cost estimates.
Board members recalled that $302,000 has been set aside specifically for an ambulance replacement. Several supervisors cautioned that buying now could lock funds that may be needed elsewhere and noted the county is beginning its budget process. Those urging caution said the county should evaluate the existing 2016 rig's mechanical condition and the cost to repair it before committing to a full replacement.
Other supervisors highlighted staffing and overtime pressures. The board heard that the ambulance service is running sustained overtime (reported in discussion as elevated daily overtime hours), which stems from a lack of personnel to staff two rigs without extra hours. Members said those staffing shortfalls make operating two full-time rigs expensive and recommended the county consider options such as temporarily reducing service hours, pursuing used rigs, staging replacements on a rotation, or waiting for a formal bid process during the budget cycle.
The board directed staff to: obtain written estimates for repair and refurbishment of the 2016 ambulance, gather quotes for new and used replacement vehicles, and present the findings during upcoming budget sessions. No formal purchase motion passed; supervisors agreed to postpone spending until they had that information and clearer budget projections.
The discussion also touched on related operational matters: vehicle wiring and cots compatibility, possible salvage of equipment between rigs, and the trade-offs between diesel and gas chassis. One supervisor emphasized that the ambulance generates dedicated revenue and a levy that cannot be used for other purposes, but members still preferred to examine repair versus replacement costs before authorizing a purchase.
The board asked ambulance staff to begin vendor outreach and to return with cost and timeline estimates for repair and replacement as part of the formal budget process.
