Henderson County’s Emergency Medical Services has a new "vital piece of equipment" following an approved purchase on Wednesday by the Board of Commissioners.  

The board unanimously approved buying a 2021 wheeled coach ambulance and accessories from Skyland Fire and Rescue. Commissioners had authorized staff to negotiate the purchase Feb. 7.  

Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie said the ambulance was a vital piece of equipment that was available at a lower cost than anticipated. He explained that with vehicle costs up across the board, the price tag could’ve been much higher.  

Preliminary estimates for a similar ambulance with no additions is nearly $236,000, according to information Brissie presented to commissioners.  

County Manager John Mitchell commended Brissie for the good deal, and Brissie passed along credit to EMS Director Mike Barnett.  

The ambulance also has significantly fewer miles than most in Henderson County’s rotation. The motor vehicle bill of sale lists the odometer reading at 6,423 miles. Brissie said a lot of local ambulances in use have well over a quarter-of-a-million miles on them.  

Commissioners also approved fund balance transfer for the purchase and outfitting of the ambulance to make it operational for service. 

The $200,000 price, which was accepted by the Board of Directors of Skyland Fire and Rescue, includes the ambulance, power stretcher and power load system for the stretcher.  

The total expense is $222,885, which includes the cost of upfitting the ambulance to place it in service. Costs include striping, radios, modems and computer mounts.