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Streator fire chief seeks consensus to prepare ambulance specs and proposes fee increase
Summary
Fire Chief Gary Bird asked council for consensus to develop specifications and bid an ambulance (estimated $250,000–$350,000) and signaled a fee increase for ambulance transports to align with neighboring communities.
Fire Chief Gary Bird told the Streator City Council on Jan. 7 that the city should begin preparing specifications and solicit bids for a replacement ambulance, noting lead times of two to three years for delivery. Bird asked for a council consensus to proceed with drafting specifications and said payment would be due on delivery, similar to previous vehicle procurements.
Bird estimated a procurement range "between 250,000 to 350,000" for a basic workhorse ambulance (avoiding optional extras) and said the department aims to replace ambulances about every five years. He also proposed updating ambulance transport fees to better align with neighboring communities: current city charges for Advanced Life Support (ALS) are $1,500 and Basic Life Support (BLS) $1,200, while neighboring communities were cited at $1,600 and $1,300. Bird said he would return with an ordinance or fee proposal for council consideration.
Council generally expressed support for moving forward and noted long‑term financial planning (including bonds that expire in 2027) could help cover future vehicle purchases.
