Saline County to Fund Additional Ambulance with ARPA Funds

On July 2, 2024, the Saline County Commission approved using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase an additional ambulance for the Salina Fire Department. The decision addresses increased emergency call volumes without adding new crews.

Currently, the Salina Fire Department operates seven ambulances, with four frontline units and three in reserve. The County reimburses the City of Salina for one rebuild annually, rotating each vehicle out every seven years. The new proposal extends this cycle to eight years and adds an eighth ambulance, costing $402,784.

ARPA funds have been reserved for this purpose, and the City will cover any cost overruns. To address past reimbursement lapses for 2020 and 2021, the County will use existing 2024 budgeted funds. Savings from various budget categories will cover the additional costs.