The Carroll County Board of Supervisors has faced substantial increases in the cost of new ambulances over the last several years, and it is beginning to squeeze the budget. During their meeting this (Monday) morning, the supervisors approved a new ambulance quote for a combined $405,802. Ambulance Service Director Jamie Wuebker says high prices have been the trend since COVID.
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The Carroll County Ambulance Service currently operates on a three-year replacement schedule. This latest rig, manufactured by Braun NW Inc. out of Chehalis, Wash., would be delivered at the beginning of Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The cost is broken down with about $291,000 going to the vehicle and box, with the remaining $113,000 for medical equipment inside the ambulance. The last ambulance the county purchased totaled $290,199 as a complete package. District 2 Supervisor Mike Andersen says it will be challenging to put together a reasonable budget if they are to expect a 46-percent price increase every time they buy a new ambulance.
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District 3 Supervisor Gene Meiners adds they’ve seen similar increases in equipment purchases for the Secondary Roads Department, so the enormous jumps are happening elsewhere, too. Interim District 5 Supervisor Mark Beardmore suggested the county try to eke a little more out of each rig by switching to a five-year rotation schedule. Wuebker says that could be an option, but reliability becomes a concern near the vehicle’s end of service with the county.
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Board Chair Stephanie Hausman says the price increases are shocking, but the public expects these rigs when a medical emergency occurs.
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The board voted unanimously to approve the ambulance purchase and indicated they would look at potentially allocating more money to the ambulance department’s capital fund in future budget years.