Commissioners approve financing to replace county vehicles including ambulances

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners approved a FY27 appropriation and financing plan on July 28 to purchase replacement vehicles across county departments, including ambulances and patrol vehicles.

The manager presented a financing package to appropriate roughly $4.2 million for vehicle replacements; the financed amount reflected a reduction of about $528,410 from prior estimates. Commissioners asked detailed questions about vehicle types and procurement. Chief Lampard explained that medium-duty Freightliner ambulances are expensive but durable, typically kept for about eight years and often purchased through cooperative contracts (such as the North Carolina sheriffs’ bid or HGAC). He said lead times can be about a year and up to 2.5–3 years post-COVID for some models, and that most units arrive turnkey except for medical supplies installed by EMS personnel.

Commissioners also discussed efforts to shop across brands for lower-cost options; Lampard said the county has tried several brands and has found Freightliner and Ford platforms to be the most reliable for its needs. After discussion the board approved the vehicle replacements (item J) as presented.