PLUMSTED — A special election seeking voter approval for the purchase of a new ambulance for the New Egypt First Aid Squad is scheduled to take place on Oct. 19.
The polling place will be the New Egypt First Aid Squad building, 32 Brynmore Road, New Egypt. Polling hours are 2-9 p.m.
The first aid squad is partnering with the Plumsted Township Board of Fire Commissioners in hopes of replacing a 2000 Ford E350 Type III ambulance with a new vehicle that is expected to cost between $120,000 and $170,000.
“We noticed two years ago that we needed to purchase a new [ambulance], but unfortunately we are still paying the loan on the last one,” EMS chief Dave Rogers previously said. “We have been responding to a lot more calls now and traveling a lot more miles.”
Officials cite higher maintenance costs, an increased call volume, an expired warranty and the need for better safety standards as the reasons why there is a need to replace the 12-year-old Ford E350 Type III ambulance.
According to Rogers, the squad is answering more calls, while financial support has decreased in recent years.
“There is financial hardship everywhere and we understand that. We are finding ourselves behind the eight ball,” Rogers said. “We have depleted our savings and surplus just trying to survive over the last few years.”
The Oct. 19 vote will be on a referendum question asking residents if they would “allow the Plumsted Township Board of Fire Commissioners Fire District No. 1 to purchase an ambulance not to exceed the amount of $200,000.”
If the referendum is approved, the new ambulance will be purchased through an agreement between the first aid squad and the fire district.