Polk to purchase new ambulance

Published 12:40 pm Friday, April 24, 2020

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Ambulance will cost approximately $115k

COLUMBUS—Polk County is taking an opportunity now to purchase an ambulance to save money.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners held a Zoom meeting Monday night and heard from county EMS director Michael Crater regarding 2 bids the county received.

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Commissioners decided to purchase an ambulance for approximately $115,000.

Crater said the company sells demo ambulances, which he has frequently purchased in the past to save money. He said most of those type ambulances have barely had their first oil change and have all the bugs worked out already.

Crater also said this ambulance has a newer chassis, which is a commercial chassis instead of a regular one. He said in years past the county has paid about $120,000 for a new ambulance.

Commissioners also approved a budget amendment to pay for the ambulance. Crater said the money will come out of this year’s budget. He said the county would lose some of the discounts if it waiting to purchase the ambulance in July.