MANSFIELD - The town's municipal light commissioners delayed a decision this week on using light department money to pay for a new ambulance for the town, citing a need to get more input from other town officials.

The proposal to have the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department make a one-time payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, was first brought up last week by Commissioner Jess Aptowitz acting in his dual role as a selectman.

Aptowitz said at Monday's commission meeting that he did not necessarily agree with using light department money to make a municipal purchase, but raised the issue to bring awareness to the town's desperate need to replace its two ambulances.

"They're at (the end of) their useful life," he said. "We want to make sure that we have equipment that shows up quickly and works."

Aptowitz said a new ambulance would cost at least $200,000, and would take several months to arrive once the funding source is found. While no one has said the ambulances do not need to be replaced, several selectmen/light commissioners and residents have said the town should not dip into the electric department's enterprise account to make the purchase.

"I don't believe it's a viable option for the town," Commissioner George Dentino said.

Resident Darleen Ricci spoke during the meeting's questions and comments section and urged the commission to find a different funding source.

"All MMED expenditures should be electric-related," she said.

The board did not make any motions on the matter Monday night, citing a need to get together with other town officials before making a decision.

The board also is entertaining the creation of an enterprise account where the money brought in by the ambulances would be set aside for future equipment purchases.

The light commission/selectmen will meet with the town's finance committee, capital improvement committee and fire officials Nov. 18 to discuss how to best fund the ambulance purchase.

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