EMS chief urges larger ambulance chassis; board told voters will consider extra funds next year

Buxton’s EMS chief, Jeff Roley (transcript alternatively spells the name 'Jeffrey Robley'), told the Board of Selectmen on June 10 that quotes for a replacement ambulance are complete and he recommends switching to a larger chassis to address recurring suspension problems.

The board was told $400,000 has already been approved for a new ambulance, and the configuration Roley recommended carries an estimated additional cost of about $41,000. Roley said the unit must be ordered now because lead times can be up to two years; if voters later do not approve the additional funds, the vendor would resell the completed unit and the town would seek interim coverage or another unit already in the vendor pipeline, the board was told.

Selectmen emphasized the operational risks of delaying replacement. A resident asked what would happen if the additional funding failed at town meeting next year; a selectman replied the town would either extend the service life of current ambulances or attempt to arrange a short-term replacement while pursuing longer-term solutions.

The discussion did not include a formal motion to spend the additional $41,000. The board framed the conversation as preparatory — placing the purchase before voters next year and requesting that staff finalize bids and lead-time details so the town has an authoritative proposal on the warrant.

Next steps: staff will finalize vendor quotes and timeline details; the purchase configuration and the additional amount will be presented to Buxton voters as part of next year’s appropriations process.