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Beaufort County authorizes recruitment of paramedics to prepare for county takeover of EMS in Town of Chocolate
Summary
Following notice that the Town of Chocolate would not budget EMS next year, Beaufort County staff recommended and the board authorized advertising to recruit up to nine paramedics so county‑operated EMS coverage can begin July 1 if needed; staff will proceed with hiring steps and contingency planning.
Beaufort County commissioners authorized staff to advertise and recruit up to nine paramedics to prepare for a possible county assumption of emergency medical services in the Town of Chocolate after that town’s board told county staff it did not plan to budget EMS next fiscal year.
County staff told the board the town informed them it would not provide EMS next year and that the county is legally responsible to ensure EMS coverage in the affected area. Managers said bringing the service in‑house offers more operational stability and flexibility than re‑contracting with another nonprofit.
The county’s plan, as explained by emergency services staff, calls for staffing one paramedic‑level ambulance 24/7 with two paramedics per truck across four shifts plus an eight‑hour QV supervisory role, a total of nine positions. Staff said there is no fiscal impact in the current fiscal year and that hiring now reduces the need for costly overtime or part‑time coverage if the county must begin providing service July 1.
Commissioners moved and seconded a motion authorizing Human Resources and Emergency Services to advertise and recruit up to nine paramedics and to make offers as candidates clear background and credential checks. The motion passed by voice/hand raise; the transcript records no roll‑call tally.
Staff also described logistics for transferring taxpayer‑purchased EMS equipment from the town to the county if the takeover proceeds and confirmed billing, documentation and dispatch processes will be handled by county systems. The board asked staff to proceed with advertising and to return personnel and budget updates as hiring progresses.
The authorization is preparatory: the county will proceed with hires and contingency staffing arrangements but will implement the takeover only if the town’s decision is final and additional operational issues are resolved.
