The Town of Marion will have a new ambulance following approval by Special Town Meeting voters on Monday night.

The $241,000 appropriation will pay for a new vehicle that meets current state regulations, and will allow the town to retire the current number two vehicle that cost the town $10,000 in repairs over the past two years.

The new vehicle will be an improvement over the current number one ambulance and will have space for fire gear that allows cross-trained EMTs to respond to fires in the event there are no injuries on a scene.

“We are convinced that this ambulance is not only suitable for the purpose but adds flexibility to the fire department,” said Finance Committee Chair Alan Minard.

The ambulance was on the Town Meeting agenda in the spring, but was postponed until more information could be acquired and the new fire chief, who began in July, could weigh in, said Minard.

To pay for the ambulance, $150,000 will be taken from the capital fund and the remaining from free cash.

Minard also said the purchase of the vehicle now will save the town an additional $40,000 for an automatic stretcher system that will be required of new ambulances effective July 2016.

The article passed with two-third approval.