Val Verde commissioners approve application for $350,000 rural ambulance grant

Val Verde County Commissioners on Jan. 16 approved a motion to apply for the Texas Comptroller’s Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program seeking roughly $350,000 to replace a county ambulance.

County officials told the court the county’s ambulance fleet of seven vehicles was run hard during the pandemic and needs replacement. County staff said recent purchases replaced three units in 2024–25 but several ambulances remain near the end of their useful life. County staff estimated typical vehicle pricing in recent procurements at about $325,000 per unit; higher-end vehicles can approach $500,000 depending on configuration. The court asked staff to provide current vendor pricing to the judge and commissioners.

The judge explained that, if the county wins the award, the ambulance would be presented to Valverde Regional Medical for use by the hospital. “If we get the grant and we’re able to, successfully get awarded, then it'll come back to the court to see if this ambulance we could present it to Valverde Regional Medical,” a court speaker said during discussion.

The motion to apply was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote, recorded as unanimous. County staff said they would return to the court with pricing and procurement details as needed.

What’s next: The application will be submitted to the state; if awarded, the county will return to the commissioners court to accept the award and to approve transfer or use arrangements with Valverde Regional Medical.