Commissioners approve $12,750 power-loader purchase contingent on council OK of $200,000 ambulance

Commissioner Ryan Harison moved and Joe Bennett seconded approval of a $12,750 power-load system for Switzerland County ambulances, contingent on the county council approving the purchase of a new ambulance. The board voted unanimously in favor of the contingent purchase during its May 4 meeting.

Ryan Everman presented a purchase agreement from Penn Care for a new ambulance priced at $200,000 and reviewed recent repairs, equipment costs dating back to 2024, and collection comparisons using the vendor Medicount. Everman also requested the power-load system needed for new apparatus.

The motion recorded in minutes links the power-loader purchase to a council decision on the ambulance itself; the board did not vote on the $200,000 ambulance at this meeting. Commissioners also noted anticipated savings on oxygen tanks as Everman described switching vendors for that supply.

The board approved the contingent motion; the ambulance purchase will proceed only if the county council subsequently approves the Penn Care contract.