Caswell County EMS officials asked the board to finance a new ambulance, one remount of an ambulance box and an upgrade to the countys UHF radio paging and repeater equipment.

EMS leadership told the board the department faces vehicle age and reliability concerns: several ambulances have more than 200,000 miles and remounts or replacements were necessary to maintain service. The department requested one new ambulance (chassis and box) and one remount to extend service life of an existing truck. Because manufacturers' delivery lead times for ambulances and chassis remain long, EMS leaders said placing orders quickly reduces service delays.

Radio and paging: County 9-1-1 and EMS staff reported the existing UHF repeater/paging system is about 18 years old and parts are becoming unavailable. Presenters said the repeater and associated infrastructure need replacement to maintain the volunteer paging capability and reliable radio coverage. The estimated replacement cost discussed at the session was in the mid-to-high five figures; staff said an exact number will depend on final specifications and whether grant funds (state) are available.

Financing plan: County staff and outside financial advisers proposed using installment financing or debt to buy one ambulance and fund a remount and the radio upgrade. Davenport & Company representatives told the board that, given debt service scheduled to fall in coming years, Caswell has budget capacity beginning in 2027 to pay for new capital if the board elects to defer some purchases. For near-term ambulance and remount needs, staff recommended debt financing timed to audit completion so the county can show accurate financials to lenders.

Grants and timing: Staff said an application for a state or federal grant could partially offset the repeater cost but that grant decisions were not guaranteed and could come months after the purchase window; commissioners were cautioned that vendor price increases are possible and that suppliers had warned of rising costs. The board asked county staff to return with finalized specs and a financing plan and did not vote that day on the debt request.

Taper: Commissioners asked EMS and 9-1-1 leaders to prioritize specifications and look for any available grant funds while the county prepares the audit and final financing documents.