Deltona commission directs purchase of two ambulance transports due to long build times and rising demand

Deltona — The City Commission directed the city manager to secure funding and place an order for two ambulance transport units after discussion about fleet age, maintenance and rising service demand.

Commission discussion revealed the unit marked for replacement was a 2009 model, with the next oldest in the fleet a 2016 unit. Commissioners and fire leadership said long manufacturer lead times — approximately two years — and a growing number of transport runs argue for ordering two units now rather than one to avoid operating with increasingly aged backup vehicles.

"By the time we take delivery of this and the other unit we've already ordered, we're going to be needing two more units," Commissioner Novick said, urging staff and finance to identify funding to place an order for two transports. Commissioner Howington seconded the motion.

The motion directing the city manager to find funds and place an order for two ambulances passed 6–0.

Staff noted that replacement scheduling is part of a five‑year fleet plan and that additional transports would require corresponding operational planning and potential county coordination for transport responsibilities.