Tim Cobb, a member of the Cassadaga Fire Department, proposed an agreement to purchase a new ambulance in 2027 to the Cassadaga Village Board at its latest meeting. P-J photo by Braden Carmen

CASSADAGA — After months of research, the Cassadaga Fire Department presented a proposal to the Village Board for the purchase of a new ambulance. Tim Cobb explained the proposal in detail to the Village Board at its latest meeting.

The Department asked for $30,000 of village funds to be contributed toward the purchase of an ambulance through Kolaja Fire Equipment Sales, a company that serves western New York and Pennsylvania.

The Department had hoped to secure an ambulance this coming spring, but the model they had their sights set on was scooped up by another department just days before Cassadaga could ask the Village Board for approval. Instead, Kolaja offered Cassadaga the chance to purchase a 2027 model at the same price of the 2026 they had their sights set on, with delivery in February of 2027.

Cobb and Trustee Danna DuBois, also a member of the Cassadaga Fire Department, presented this option as “a blessing in disguise” because Kolaja agreed to hold off on receipt of funds to pay for the ambulance until it is available. That allowed for the Village Board to plan ahead for the purchase to be included in the following year’s budget.

In the meantime, the Fire Department decided it is worth taking its chances that the current ambulance will hold out until February of 2027. The village will sell its ambulance, either to Kolaja or another buyer, once the new ambulance is purchased.

Cobb provided the Board with a breakdown of a purchasing option that would include $30,000 from the village’s General Fund, $30,000 of Fire Department funds, $38,000 of equipment funds, and $50,000 of the revenue generated through its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) contract with Chautauqua County. The remaining cost to purchase the ambulance could then be financed, with the incoming revenue from the EMS billing able to cover the payments. As of Oct. 22, the Cassadaga Fire Department equipment reserve fund showed a balance of $38,740.58.

The Village Board unanimously approved an agreement to purchase the ambulance from Kolaja. While the agreement is binding, there will be no money changing hands until the vehicle is available. The village did not commit to any specific financing plan to purchase the vehicle.

The Cassadaga Fire Department responded to a total of 25 calls in the month of September, including 20 EMS calls, one fire call and one motor vehicle accident. The Department provided mutual aid 11 times and received mutual aid twice.