Commissioners designate Foothills Medical Transit to carry involuntary mental‑health committals, contingent on final documents

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners voted on June 9 to designate Foothills Medical Transit as an authorized transporter for involuntary commitments, with approval contingent on final review by the county manager and county attorney.

Tommy Fite, representing Foothills Medical Transit, told commissioners the board’s action would be a designation rather than a contract: "It is literally a designation... It's strictly on us," he said, adding the designation would not create a bond, franchise or mutual-agreement lease that would expose the county to liability.

Sheriff Bean attended and confirmed the sheriff’s office had been involved in the discussions. Fite explained the company would also need the hospital’s agreement — an addendum to the county’s agreement with UNC Caldwell — before it could take custody of involuntary patients: "Then we have to present that to the hospital and get their agreement and understanding that we can transport them." Commissioners approved a motion to adopt the designation contingent on final review by the county manager and county attorney.

Board members and staff clarified that approving the designation does not create a county agency or a contractual relationship that would expose the county to liability for operations performed by Foothills Medical Transit. The motion passed unanimously; the minutes show the board’s vote endorsed the approach subject to manager and attorney approval of the final documentation.