Agenda Item:
title
Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Procurement of One 2028 Ford F550 4X4 Gas Chassis on a Custom Horton Conversion Ambulance from Foster Coach Sales, Inc. of Sterling, Illinois, for the Public Safety Department at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $450,000
memo
Staff Contact: Andrew Perley, Deputy Chief of Public Safety
Purpose and Actions Requested: Staff requests Village Board consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Procurement of One 2028 Ford F550 4X4 Gas Chassis on a Custom Horton Conversion Ambulance
Budget Impact: Budgeted
Budget Fund: 100-400-320-80405
Strategic Priority Addressed: Community Resilience, Reliable Infrastructure
body
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The current Community Investment Plan (CIP) anticipates $450,000 for the purchase of a new Ambulance for the Department of Public Safety in Calendar Year (CY) 2028. This purchase would replace the current 2017 Foster-Coach Ambulance as the department’s front-line ambulance, capable of providing advanced life support treatment and transport. The Community Investment Plan indicates a life expectancy of 10 years for a front-line ambulance. Once a new ambulance is received, the 2017 Ambulance would rotate into reserve status and the current reserve ambulance a 2008 Medtek International ambulance would be sold.
Staff recommends approval of the purchase of a new ambulance through the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) Suburban Purchasing Cooperative. The cooperative procurement process satisfies the Village's purchasing requirements and allows the Village to leverage competitively solicited pricing available to participating agencies. The proposed purchase price for the ambulance is $399,388, however, $450,000 is requested to cover additional contingency expenses and change orders during the build process, which is in line with what has been included in the 10-Year CIP financing plan budget. At the June 16, 2026, Finance Committee meeting, staff outlined this recommendation in detail to include a discounted price should the Village elect to pay the cost in full at this time. It was determined by the Finance Committee that a pre-payment option did not yield a savings amount significant enough to make it a viable option.
The recommended vehicle is a 2028 Ford F-550 gasoline-powered ambulance chassis with a custom ambulance body and equipment package designed to meet the operational needs of the Department of Public Safety. The new ambulance will serve as the department's primary front-line emergency medical response and transport vehicle upon delivery.
As part of this replacement cycle, the Department is recommending a transition from a diesel-powered ambulance platform to a gasoline-powered platform. Over the past several years, public safety agencies have experienced increasing maintenance costs and operational challenges associated with modern diesel emission control systems. Gasoline-powered ambulance chassis have demonstrated improved reliability, reduced maintenance complexity and lower lifecycle operating costs while continuing to provide the performance necessary for emergency medical operations.
The ambulance manufacturing industry continues to experience extended production schedules due to chassis availability, supply chain constraints and high nationwide demand for emergency response vehicles. Current estimates indicate an approximately three-year lead time between order placement and delivery. Because of this, staff is recommending that the Village place an order for the Ambulance now. Approval of placing the order at this time will allow the Village to secure a production slot and help ensure that the replacement ambulance is available when the current front-line unit reaches the end of its anticipated service life. In addition to the purchase price of the ambulance, a cot and loading system will need to be purchased for installation on the ambulance when it is built. Current pricing on the cot, loading system and stair chair is estimated at $90,700 (including a 7-year maintenance and warranty agreement). This purchase will be made separately from the ambulance and may be deferred until the ambulance is in production.
The proposed purchase is consistent with the vehicle replacement schedule established in the Community Investment Plan and will ensure the Village maintains a reliable fleet capable of providing uninterrupted emergency medical services to the community.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Village Board authorize the Village Manager to execute a contract for the purchase of one (1) 2028 Ford F550 4X4 Gas Chassis on a Custom Horton Conversion Ambulance in an amount not to exceed $450,000
MOTION
Move that the Village Board authorize the Village Manager to execute a contract for the purchase of one (1) 2028 Ford F550 4X4 Gas Chassis on a Custom Horton Conversion Ambulance in an amount not to exceed $450,000.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Quote
3. Purchase Agreement