By:Vanessa S. Holt
FLORENCE -The Township Council introduced a bond ordinance to acquire a $130,000 ambulance for the Roebling Rescue Squad.
Council voted 3-1 on Oct. 4 to introduce the ordinance, with Bruce Garganio opposing the measure.
"I have concerns about that type of expenditure," said Mr. Garganio. "They’re having trouble getting ambulances out during the day."
Only one of the Roebling Rescue Squad’s two ambulances is operational and has experienced a number of electrical and mechanical problems. The ambulance was purchased in 1992.
The squad’s need for a new ambulance has been under discussion for several months.
Councilman John Hofflinger, who was not present at the meeting, had cited the need for a new ambulance in April.
Mr. Garganio said he believed the township should ensure daytime coverage would be available before incurring the expense.
"We’re putting the cart before the horse," said Mr. Garganio. "People are out working all day, and it’s difficult for some of these times to be covered. It’s the responsibility of the township to cover that.
"It’s not a slap at any of the volunteers. They’ve done a wonderful job."
Mr. Garganio added there have been some preliminary conversations about hiring full-time EMTs but no decisions have been made.
"People are going out and making a living," he said. "There are not enough to pick up the slack."
When discussions began several months ago, Roebling Rescue Squad Capt. Anthony Pagliocca had remarked there had been many problems with the 1992 ambulance. Ambulances normally last about 10 years, he said.
Council members had originally estimated the cost of an ambulance to be around $80,000, but now estimate it will cost $130,000. After the down payment, this will mean a cost of $123,500 to taxpayers.
The council also passed a resolution amending the capital budget to make a $6,500 down payment on the ambulance. Mr. Garganio also voted against that measure.
The public hearing for the bond ordinance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 18.
