Spencer County fiscal court approves $40,000 ambulance purchase with 30‑day warranty condition
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Summary
After hours of debate about aging vehicles and budget constraints, the Spencer County Fiscal Court voted March 2 to buy a used 2017 International ambulance for $40,000 if the seller provides a short mechanical/powertrain warranty (up to 30 days). Court members discussed procurement rules, fleet redundancy and payment timing.
Spencer County Fiscal Court voted on March 2 to purchase a used 2017 International ambulance for $40,000, contingent on receiving a mechanical or powertrain warranty of up to 30 days from the seller.
The court’s discussion focused on the county’s aging EMS fleet and how to pay for the vehicle without jeopardizing other programs. A staff member responsible for EMS told the court he had “to go home and literally lose sleep over whether or not our ambulances are gonna run,” stressing the urgency of securing reliable units. Several members pressed for an inspection and at least a limited warranty before committing county funds.
Proponents argued the $40,000 offer — which includes shipping from Texas — could bridge an immediate gap until a new ambulance already on order arrives in May. Opponents cautioned that buying a high‑mileage unit sight unseen carried risk and urged the court to obtain a written mechanical warranty and, where feasible, an inspection before payment.
After debate, a motion that the county purchase the International ambulance as long as the dealer provides a mechanical/powertrain warranty (up to 30 days) was moved, seconded and approved by the court (vote reported as 5–1). The court directed staff to attempt to secure the warranty and to manage payment timing so the purchase could conform to procurement and budget rules.
Court members also discussed alternatives including repairing an existing engine, reallocating EMS budget lines and the prospect of surplus sales once a new county ambulance arrives. One member noted state procurement thresholds and a pending House bill were factors in whether a purchase over $40,000 would require additional advertisement or approvals.
The court’s action authorizes staff to proceed to finalize purchase arrangements contingent on the warranty; members said they will return to the court with documentation of the warranty and a plan for funding the purchase. The matter will be handled administratively unless the terms require further court action.