Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding the purchase of a new ambulance.  (Angel Ramirez, Fire Chief)

The Fire Department is requesting approval to purchase a new ambulance to replace our current aging unit and ensure the continued delivery of reliable emergency medical services to our community.  Our existing ambulance has experienced increased maintenance costs, mechanical issues, and downtime due to age and heavy usage.  These issues impact operational readiness and can affect response reliability during emergencies.

The purchase of a new ambulance is necessary to maintain safe, dependable, and efficient emergency medical response capabilities for our residents and visitors.  A new unit will improve reliability, include updated safety features, and provide modern medical equipment accommodations that better support our personnel and patient care operations.

To streamline the purchasing process and obtain competitive pricing, the department proposes using the HGACBuy Cooperative Purchasing Program, as allowed under Procurement Code 3.05.090, Cooperative Purchasing.  HGACBuy is a nationally recognized cooperative purchasing organization that allows governmental agencies to procure vehicles and equipment through pre-negotiated contracts that comply with state purchasing requirements.  Utilizing the HGAC agreement eliminates the need for a lengthy bid process while ensuring cost savings, transparency, and compliance with procurement regulations.

Approving this purchase will help ensure the department remains properly equipped to provide timely, professional emergency medical services to the community for years to come.