Supply chain slow downs was a topic of discussion during this week’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting as the ambulance service works to replace a couple of its trucks.

The service which became a county-owned entity in July of 2020 has since begun operating one brand new ambulance truck, and is now on schedule to receive the second this coming summer. Ambulance Director Jeremy Peck informed the board that the truck salesman advised him that if they want to purchase and receive a third new truck in 2023, they need to put an order in now to expect the vehicle on time. Peck said the second truck they’re expecting had a stretched build period from 9-12 months. Peck requested that he put in an order now, and Supervisor Stan Stoops asked him if this would obligate the county, “Once they start building the ambulance body, then yes. The one that’s going to be delivered in July of this year is hopefully going to be started in January so six months before. So we basically have a year from now to be obligated.”

Peck shared that he currently can’t get a quote for the third ambulance, as the seller doesn’t know. He said the manufacturers have anticipated a 12% increase in cost, which he estimates would bring the county’s tab up from approximately $292,000 to $327,000. Peck acknowledged that delays in ambulance truck builds are being seen industry wide. The board approved a motion to recognize Peck’s attempts to secure an ambulance to be delivered sometime in 2023 or 2024.