After debate, Milford OKs $23,245 safety lift for ambulance using surplus funds

The Milford Board of Selectmen approved spending $23,245.39 from 2025 residual funds to buy a power-load system to load stretchers into an ambulance, after a prolonged discussion about procurement, timing and competing uses for year-end surplus.

Ambulance director Ken Larry described the safety rationale: the device automates loading and reduces the risk of back injuries. "One of my concerns is... if you don't realize that that didn't happen and you pull it out thinking that you have the power load and you don't, you're gonna take all that weight," Larry said, explaining how differences between ambulances could lead to accidental injuries.

Board members debated whether the purchase should be funded from the ambulance revolving fund, placed in the 2026 budget, or financed from surplus. Some members worried about adding items late in the year that were not included in the original budget process; others argued employee safety and potential insurance-savings made the purchase prudent.

"I think it's a small price to pay for... it's gonna be a lot less cost if we have someone on workman's comp out for a long time," one selectman said in support. Finance staff estimated that using surplus for this purchase, together with previously authorized technology spending, would leave only a small remainder of the estimated $70,000 surplus.

After discussion and motions, the board approved the purchase; staff said they would pursue any available discounts and follow procurement policy for the specialized equipment.

Next steps: staff will complete the procurement consistent with the board’s authorization and report back with purchase details and any insurance premium impact.