Charlotte County accepts EMS agreement, sends $137,500 to rescue squad amid coverage concerns

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors on July 10 accepted an Emergency Medical Services Agreement (EMSA) with the Charlotte County Rescue Squad (CCRS) and approved a $137,500 disbursement for CCRS's first quarterly payment. The vote to disburse passed with four supervisors voting yes and one voting no.

Supervisor Will D. Garnett, presenting the CCRS Oversite Committee recommendation, said the committee and CCRS supported the EMSA and brought a signed agreement to the meeting. Sally Pyle, representing CCRS, said she brought the signed agreement from Captain Matthew LaMotte. The Board voted unanimously to accept the EMSA.

Following acceptance, Supervisor Garnett moved to disburse $137,500 to CCRS for their first quarterly payment; Supervisor Robert L. Shook, Jr. seconded. The disbursement motion passed with Supervisors Gary D. Walker, Will D. Garnett, Robert L. Shook, Jr. and Walter T. Bailey voting Aye and Supervisor Hazel Bowman Smith voting No.

Supervisor Smith said she would not support further disbursements until the Wylliesburg station receives "equal rescue squad coverage," calling attention to coverage gaps. Supervisor Bailey said he shares concerns about coverage in Phenix and emphasized a need to find a more countywide solution. CCRS representatives and Public Safety Director Chris Russell responded that station scheduling is based on call volume and that the oversight committee will meet monthly to plan for future coverage and 24-hour staffing options.

The Board's action accepts the EMSA and funds CCRS's immediate quarterly operations while signaling continued internal discussion about service distribution across county stations. The Board did not set a precise timeline in the meeting minutes for when coverage adjustments would be implemented.