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Atlantic Beach worksession advances ambulance replacement plan, earmarks reserves and equipment
Summary
At its April 10 worksession, the Atlantic Beach Town Council heard from Fire Chief Mike Simpson on replacing the 2014 ambulance, agreed to staff's procurement path and to earmark funds across fiscal years for vehicle purchase and equipment, and reviewed related budget priorities including COLA and facilities maintenance.
The Atlantic Beach Town Council at a April 10 worksession signaled support for staff plans to replace the town's 2014 Chevy ambulance and to set aside multi-year reserves for the purchase and outfitting of a new vehicle.
Fire Chief Mike Simpson told the council the department is working with multiple dealers and manufacturers to develop build specifications and pricing and that two primary contenders are Braun (through Spartan Emergency Response) and Road Rescue (through Atlantic Emergency Solutions); both options use the Houston-Galveston Area Council purchasing method. Simpson said equipping a new ambulance with a power stretcher, power-load system and power stair chair would add about $94,497 in equipment costs, while upgrading a 2018 ambulance with the same equipment would cost about $76,845. "Buying the stretchers separately, directly from the manufacturer, will maintain the warranty and be cheaper," Simpson said.
Staff reported a roughly $5,000 difference between the draft quotes and said they are leaning toward Braun based on expertise and experience; the council agreed that staff should proceed with the better company and bring a contract proposal to the April 21 meeting for formal consideration. Council also agreed with staff's recommendation to earmark $150,000 in the current year and $150,000 in FY2025-26 for an ambulance reserve, with the balance to be funded in FY2026-27 when a vehicle is anticipated to be built and delivered.
The worksession also covered related capital and operating priorities that intersect with public safety procurement. Staff recommended postponing the creation of a separate general capital needs fund and instead converting the ambulance reserve for significant apparatus and equipment outlays (not routine vehicle or equipment replacement). Council heard a set of recommended reserves and operating additions: $20,000 annually for building maintenance at the public safety and administrative facility as maintenance needs increase; $20,000 annually plus a $20,000 park reserve and $5,000 one-time small-park equipment to cover mini-golf, fencing and small play elements; and an additional $60,000 annually to budget for a larger paving project every three years as an alternative to relying solely on Powell Bill revenues.
John O'Daniel, town manager, also briefed the council about steps to engage Rivers & Associates for professional engineering services related to the Water Treatment Facilities Project and said staff will seek interlocal cost estimates for sewer and water connections with Morehead City at Councilmember Archer's request.
No formal vote on the ambulance purchase occurred at the worksession; staff will return with a contract and more detailed pricing at the April 21 meeting. The only formal vote taken at the April 10 meeting approved the agenda by a 5-0 vote.
