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Council approves remount plan to replace totaled ambulance; insurer to cover most costs
Summary
After an ambulance was totaled in a crash, the council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement to remount an 18‑month‑old box onto a chassis the city already owns; the remount is expected to cost about $170,000 and be completed in 10–12 weeks.
The council authorized city staff on July 8 to proceed with a remount plan to replace an ambulance declared a total loss after a head‑on crash in late May. City staff explained that buying a brand‑new ambulance would likely take up to two years and that the insurance payout and available chassis make a remount the fastest and most cost‑effective option.
Staff said the city has a chassis already purchased for its 2027 build sitting in Chehalis and that the ambulance box from the totaled unit has only 18 months of use and is in good condition. Under the proposed arrangement the box would be remounted on the available chassis at the same builder, for an estimated $170,000; because it is a remount rather than a full new build, the vendor estimates a 10–12 week turnaround once the city signs the agreement. The insurance company will pay the upfront costs and reimburse the city; the city would need to buy a replacement chassis for the 2027 build, a cost staff estimated at roughly $5,000–$10,000 more than their existing chassis purchase.
Councilman Henderson moved the authorization, the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
What’s next: Staff will sign the agreement and complete the pre‑build meeting with the manufacturer; the remounted vehicle is expected in roughly three months, and staff will monitor invoice and chassis timing to minimize any additional out‑of‑pocket cost to the city.
