Ill. City Discusses Buying Refurbished Ambulances

March 16--EAST PEORIA -- The city is considering new and cheaper ways to buy future ambulances for the Fire Department.

Instead of buying new vehicles as it has always done, it could pay to completely refurbish older East Peoria ambulances, or buy used and refurbished ambulance boxes from a company in Iowa.

"We have always purchased new vehicles, it's just what we are used to," said Ryan Beck, assistant chief of the East Peoria Fire Department, who presented the alternative theories Tuesday during a working session of the City Council. "But this company in Iowa strips the vehicle down to bare aluminum and it basically looks like a new ambulance when it comes out of there."

The city budgeted $230,000 for a new ambulance over two years. An ambulance chassis and a box conversion done by Arrow Manufacturing of Rock Rapids, Iowa, would cost $233,176. An ambulance purchased new would cost $253,066.

"I don't see any risk going this way (with refurbished ambulances)," said Commissioner Tim Jeffers.

Beck said he doesn't currently have a strong preference. "We're anxious to try the rechassis, but we would be happy either way."

No decision was made by the council.

In other business, the council:

* Approved the purchase of electronic equipment valued at about $22,000 for the Fire Department and dispatch.

* Accepted the low bid for the Civic Triangle landscaping project adjacent to the new City Hall with Commercial Irrigation & Turf Inc., in the amount of $17,233.

* Approved a proposal from Hosler Roofing for the recoating of the roof of the Public Works building in the amount of $33,936.

Scott Hilyard can be reached at 686-3244 and shilyard@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @scotthilyard.

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