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Amherst County CIP highlights include EMS equipment, a fifth medic unit and sheriff body-camera replacement

Amherst County Board of Supervisors · February 18, 2026

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Summary

The county's proposed capital-improvement program (~$4.1M after a late sheriff request) prioritizes EMS equipment replacement (cardiac monitors, stair chairs), vehicle and body-camera packages for the sheriff's office and IT upgrades (Toughbooks, CradlePoint/MDTs); staff proposed financing and phased replacement where possible.

Amherst County's capital-improvement program (CIP) presented Feb. 17 centers on public-safety equipment and a small slate of facility and IT projects, and staff told supervisors the total CIP currently in the packet is about $4.1 million after a late sheriff request.

Staff said the top CIP item is replacement of cardiac monitors and stair chairs for ambulances. Department staff described a multi-year financing plan to replace roughly 12–13 monitors and associated maintenance/service plans over five years. "Some of ours go back almost 15 years," an EMS staff member said, noting an 8-year typical lifecycle for monitors.

IT and public-safety technology requests include replacing aging in-vehicle computers (Toughbooks), CradlePoint modems/antennas for ambulances and field units to enable data uploads (vitals, EKGs), and preparing for an upgraded CAD system. Staff said the CAD project would be funded from the county's 9-1-1 tax fund and vendor meetings were planned.

The sheriff requested an updated body-camera package; staff said last year's request was roughly $146,000 and that the current budget includes $200,000 to be more in line with updated quotes. Staff also described a lease-purchase approach to spread the camera and installation costs over five years. The sheriff reported the county is currently down approximately 27 vehicle cameras and has only about 20 functioning units in the fleet.

Other CIP items noted in the packet include website replacement (deadline to migrate content by December), a comprehensive-plan update required by code, road revenue-share work with VDOT on Victoria Drive, Monroe Building overhaul (roof and painting), and various fleet and facility repairs. Staff asked supervisors to rank the CIP items so staff can compile priorities for the March meeting.