Council approves new ambulance purchase and interim loan for Amsterdam Fire Department

The Amsterdam Common Council on Aug. 8 approved a package of measures to add a third ambulance to the Amsterdam Fire Department, authorizing purchase of a 2025 ambulance from Northeastern Rescue Vehicles LLC for $338,740 and approving a temporary interfund loan of $338,740 until a $340,000 State and Municipal Facilities Program grant is reimbursed. The council also approved a consent transfer of $101,083.44 from the fire department operating fund to the capital fund to pay for building modifications needed to accommodate the additional vehicle.

Alderwoman Quistamars, the sponsor of the ambulance resolution, told the council the department has “seen a dramatic increase in call volume” and that the third ambulance will expand capacity and improve response times. She framed the purchase as a long-running effort: “This is something that we need to do to serve, and they showed up at meetings,” and added, “when you call 911, someone will show up, and that's a huge thing.”

A council member asked staff for the timeline on the grant reimbursement. A staff member replied, “The application has been submitted,” and said the state budget process and the Legislature's Ways and Means (Lease and Means) committee review were underway. The council's motion to authorize the purchase, the interfund loan and the fund transfer passed on recorded voice/roll-call votes.

The resolutions’ texts cite general municipal law authorizing interfund loans and specify that the mayor is authorized to approve the ambulance purchase. The consent transfer note states the full cost of public-safety building modifications is not yet known and the project will not be completed before the current fiscal year ends, which is why funds must be reclassified to the capital fund.