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Commissioners approve up to $15,000 to repair county ambulance after officials warn of no backup
Summary
Officials approved up to $15,000 to repair a Starke County ambulance after a mechanical failure left the county with effectively no backup; legal counsel said repair and maintenance work is not subject to the $50,000 bidding threshold.
Speaker 3 told the meeting that an ambulance returned from a repair shop with a damaged camshaft and lifter and that the total cost to replace the motor would be $14,463. "Total to replace the motor is $14,463," Speaker 3 said, and added that the vehicle carries a three-year warranty.
The repair raised operational concerns. Speaker 3 said the county currently has no backup ambulances and has been using a transfer truck as a temporary ambulance. "You guys might should be aware that we have 0 backup ambulances right this second," Speaker 3 said, describing how vehicle redeployment would be handled if another unit is lost.
Commissioners discussed options including getting three quotes, buying a replacement ambulance, or proceeding with a Ford dealer warranty repair. Speaker 7, who provided legal guidance, told the group that the $50,000 bid threshold does not apply to repair and maintenance and that the county could proceed without soliciting bids for this work.
After discussion Speaker 5 said, "I'll make that motion," and Speaker 1 recited the motion to authorize up to $15,000 for the ambulance repair and then said "Second." Speaker 2 announced the motion and, following aye votes, declared, "Motion passes." The motion as recorded authorized spending up to $15,000 to repair the ambulance rather than purchasing a replacement vehicle immediately.
The decision included these practical clarifications captured in the meeting: the repair estimate of approximately $14,463; the vendor-reported three-year warranty on the repair; an alternative vehicle purchase price mentioned (about $246,000); and the legal advice that repair/maintenance is not subject to the $50,000 bidding requirement. Speaker 3 said he would obtain additional quotes and follow up with the commissioners after getting them.
The county did not record a roll-call vote with member names; the meeting transcript records two vocal 'aye' responses and then the chair declaring the motion passed. Next procedural steps noted in the meeting: Speaker 3 will get supplemental quotes and report back to the commissioners.
