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Residents call for more town halls and a pause on proposed Pender EMS and fire merger
Summary
Multiple residents urged the board to slow or halt the proposed county takeover/merger of EMS and fire services, citing cost, transparency and staffing concerns and asking for county-led town halls before final agreements are signed.
Multiple residents told the Board of Commissioners on July 14 they are concerned about the proposed county merger or takeover of Pender EMS and local fire services and asked the board to slow the process and hold more public meetings.
Speakers including Jim Harris and Amy Schooley said the merger represents a significant structural change with long-term financial and operational implications. “We're looking at $1,800,000 in new personnel costs each year,” said Amy Schooley, a Hampstead resident, during public comment.
Harris, who identified himself as a Hempstead resident, asked the board to hold at least two to four town halls…
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