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Ansonia board delays decision on $364,000 ambulance remount, asks finance to identify funding
Summary
After weeks of mechanical problems with a 2013 ambulance, the board asked finance to review options and funding sources before choosing between a $25,000 engine replacement or a $364,000 remount that would extend the vehicle's life and provide a warranty.
The Board of Aldermen voted on Oct. 14 to take no immediate action on a proposed remount of a 2013 ARMS ambulance and asked city finance staff to meet with ARMS leadership to identify funding sources before the board approves either the remount or a more modest engine repair.
ARMS Chief Warhola told aldermen the vehicle had suffered a critical mechanical failure and presented two leading options: a replacement engine (estimated at about $25,000 with a 2–3 month turnaround and risk of further repairs) or a remount — removing the box and installing it on a new chassis — priced at roughly $364,000 with a 4–6 month delivery and a multi-year warranty. "The remount is basically your best option to get ARMS back in a position where vehicles aren't reaching the end of life," the chief said, describing the remount as returning the vehicle to near-new condition with vendor warranty coverage.
Aldermen debated the trade-offs: the cheaper engine fix would be less disruptive to near-term budgets but could leave the city chasing further mechanical problems; the remount would be more expensive up front but provide longer-term fleet stability. Several aldermen emphasized the need for a capital-rotation plan to avoid ad hoc emergency expenditures.
A motion to pursue the remount was made earlier in the discussion but later withdrawn. The board instead voted to take no action pending a meeting between ARMS, the chief and finance staff; aldermen asked for a return to the board with identified funding sources and a recommendation. Staff said special or emergency finance meetings could be scheduled to expedite any needed action.
What happens next: Finance will meet with ARMS leadership and the chief, and return to the board with options and proposed funding lines or special-meeting recommendations.
