Pender County reviews Pender EMS transition, negotiates Union Rescue Squad contract as employees press for benefits and transparency

Pender County commissioners and staff reviewed the status of talks over a possible county takeover of Pender EMS and Fire and reported negotiated changes to a contract with Union Rescue Squad at a special meeting, while dozens of employees, retirees and residents urged a timely, transparent transition and better employee benefits.

County officials said work is under way to transfer records and financial information from Pender EMS and Fire to county staff and that a Union Rescue Squad contract was revised and returned to the squad's attorney for approval. The meeting included extended public comment from frontline employees who said they want transition to county employment to secure better health insurance and retirement options.

The possibility of moving Pender EMS and Fire under county control has drawn sustained public attention because it affects emergency medical response, employee compensation and the use of taxpayer funds. Speakers at the meeting said the debate has become polarized in recent weeks and urged county leaders to lay out a clear, implementable plan and hold public town halls.

County attorney Michael Mercerson said county staff has received a large volume of documentation from Pender EMS and Fire and that most non-IT records should be delivered…