Deep Pockets vs. Responsible Spending
An item at this week's City Council meeting was to "Discuss purchase of New Ambulance." When we arrived, there sat a brand new ambulance with all the bells, whistles, salesman and fire chief for us to "oooh and ahhh."
It had a price tag of a mere $155,000. I asked the fire chief how he intended to pay for it since the other ambulance is less than five years old with only 56,000 miles on it and not yet paid for.
This was apparently an already "done deal," as we were presented with approved bids from the two local banks awaiting council's stamp of approval. (Interest alone will be another $17,000.)
So much for discussing.
Why do we need another ambulance?
"Because we have mechanical issues with the one we have and need another so we can take it out of service for repairs."
I asked about scheduled maintenance. There is none; never has been.
So, we use equipment until it develops mechanical issues and then buy another so we can repair the first? As a city taxpayer, I fail to understand that logic; as representative, I could not and will not endorse it.
We were given a list of 280 calls made since the first of the year to substantiate this purchase. About 55 were fire calls. With the fire chief having his "much needed" chief car, I question how many of these ambulance calls could have been made using it rather than an emergency vehicle. I have noted this car not getting very much use as was the implied necessity when it was purchased.
I fully support all of our emergency services. I am also a staunch supporter of responsible, necessary spending and use of taxpayer property. I take that responsibility very seriously.
Anyone who knows me understands that I am not one to "rubber stamp" anything to do with taxpayers' money, and this event appeared to be a pre-determined purchase regardless of how I voted. All three other councilmen voted in favor. It was heavily endorsed by the mayor, also.
There was no mention of other expenses to equip and decorate this unit. As with the other, it will be several thousands for the taxpayer. Warranty, if any, was not mentioned.
I would dearly love to see some citizens at these meetings to see how your hard-earned dollars are being spent, and you be the judge as to how wise some of these purchases are.
Does our city really have responsible spending habits or is everyone of the opinion that we have "deep pockets" with unlimited spending potential? My impression is that we are living beyond our means.
Call your elected city representatives. We all work for -- and answer to -- you, the taxpayer.
P.S. I voted against this purchase, but feel it was a done deal before I even showed up.
Respectfully serving you,
Bob Cottingham, alderman
Pea Ridge, Ark.
Editorial on 05/24/2017