NEW GLOUCESTER — Selectmen on Thursday unanimously entered a purchase and sales agreement for a used ambulance for $1 to launch the town’s first medical transport service starting Nov. 1.

The town has relied on United Ambulance for medical transports, but last May voters approved funding a town transportation service for $70,000.

The agreement with Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue Vehicles of Wilton is for a 2006 Ford E-450 Type II ambulance. The town will insure it. When the agreement ends, the ambulance will be returned to Sugarloaf for $1.

For two hours, the board and Ron Morin of Sugarloaf Ambulance hammered away at various options to find a suitable vehicle for the town as it works toward a permanent solution.

The value of the 2006 ambulance is $25,000. A certificate of insurance shall also be provided showing Sugarloaf Ambulance will be responsible for all repairs and maintenance in excess of the $500 aggregate limit, unless caused by negligence of the town.

The vehicle is a loaner, Morin said.

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All repairs will be performed by Sugarloaf before the ambulance is delivered to the town, including the front-end alignment, a muffler inspection with replacement if punctured and a check of any oil leak on the back of the engine. Front brake pads and tires will be replaced.

If the vehicle becomes inoperable for an extended period, a loaner ambulance will be provided at no cost to the town.

The ambulance will be ready for delivery around Sept. 26.

Selectmen grappled with other vehicle options for the future, including purchasing a new stock vehicle at $150,000; a new vehicle that would take seven months to deliver at a higher price; a lightly used vehicle at roughly $59,000, if available in the future; and a 2012 demo with 6,500 miles at a reduced price of $138,000.

The board would have to go back to voters for the additional funds to purchase the demo, which could be delivered immediately.

The board will make that decision after more information is known about the vehicle and options.

The board tasked Town Manager Sumner Field III and fire Chief Gary Sacco with presenting the options and determine the impact on equipment replacement schedules and cycles for trade-ins.

The board agreed to fund up to $20,000 for loose equipment for the 2006 ambulance, which includes a power cot and stair chair.


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