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Hardee County approves roughly $392,606 lease to purchase Demers ambulance
Summary
The county approved Resolution 2026‑07 authorizing a five‑year lease‑purchase financing for a Demers F450 ambulance (approx. $392,606 including interest). Delivery is expected within weeks; first payment is not due until January 2027.
The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026‑07 to enter into a master equipment lease‑purchase agreement for a Demers F450 ambulance, with financing through Community First National Bank under a Sourcewell contract.
According to staff, the total agreement including interest is approximately $392,605 over a five‑year term. Staff said the county budgeted $80,000 for the purchase this fiscal year but that the first lease payment will not be due until January 2027. County staff told commissioners they expect delivery within roughly a month and will outfit the vehicle to county specifications before placing it in service.
“This is a stock truck ambulance we’re building up to our standards and transferring equipment to it,” a county official said, noting that buying an in‑stock vehicle reduced lead time compared with ordering a custom unit.
Commissioners and fire department staff discussed fleet replacement and lifecycle norms; staff said ambulances generally run five to seven years depending on use and mileage, and noted Rescue 1 has over 150,000 miles and is nearing the end of its useful life.
A motion to approve Resolution 2026‑07 was made and seconded; the board voted aye and the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will complete the lease documents, accept delivery and transfer equipment. Commissioners indicated they will continue reviewing fleet replacement timing and budgeting to reduce reliance on lease financing where possible.
