MANSFIELD - Selectmen gave their approval Wednesday for a revolving account to buy new ambulances, but the plan still needs town meeting approval.

Under the proposal, the town would put a portion of ambulance revenue in an account specified for the regular replacement of ambulances.

The finance committee and the fire department created the plan, which was approved by the committee earlier this month.

Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini and finance committee member Tom Ratliff presented the proposal at Wednesday's selectmen meeting, saying the town desperately needs to replace its two ambulances.

"The ambulances have basically reached the end of their lives," Boldrighini said. The new ambulances could cost $150,000 to $275,000, with an additional $27,790 needed for equipment, Boldrighini said.

"We're looking for the best buy at the lowest price," he said.

Under the proposal presented Wednesday, the town would lease one ambulance for four years, beginning in fiscal year 2011, and own the ambulance at the end of the four-year period.

Once the revolving account gets going, the town will replace one of the fire department's ambulances every two years, beginning in fiscal year 2013.

The town would set aside approximately $150,000 per year within the revolving account to fund the bi-annual purchases.

"What we've put together makes it reasonable to tackle this," Ratliff said. The fire department and finance committee also explored opening an enterprise account for the ambulance revenue, meaning any money taken in on medical calls would have to be used on medical service expenses.

Boldrighini and Ratliff said that approach would put an unnecessary strain on the town's overall budget and the revolving account would adequately cover ambulance-replacement expenses.

Nearby North Attleboro, Foxboro, Norton and Plainville all use revolving accounts to pay for ambulance expenses.

The town's ambulance runs brought in $729,000 in revenue during fiscal year 2009, after bringing in $566,889 in fiscal year 2008.

The town currently owns two ambulances, one purchased in 2003 and the other in 2006.

Boldrighini said ambulances should typically be replaced every four or five years.

The 2006 ambulance, known as Rescue 33, responds to medical calls, as well as fire emergencies, and has been driven more than 105,000 miles. It was used for 917 medical transports last year and required $14,114 in repairs and maintenance.

The 2003 ambulance, known as Rescue 34, is only used for medical calls and has been driven more than 91,000 miles. It was used for 440 medical transports last year and has needed almost $12,000 in repairs over the past two years.

Andy Gazzolo, chairman of the finance committee, said his board would craft the warrant article, complete with specific amounts, in anticipation of the annual town meeting this spring.

MATT KAKLEY covers Mansfield for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.

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