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County asks Braveheart for backup-billing data and considers formal emergency-backup contract
Summary
At a budget meeting, commissioners discussed formalizing an EMS backup contract with Braveheart for emergency coverage, asked the provider for historical unpaid backup billing numbers and tabled final decisions pending data.
County staff raised the topic of formalizing a contract for emergency backup coverage with Braveheart and asked the provider to supply billing and payment details for backup calls.
County manager (S3) said the county needs a contract for backup emergency calls even though Braveheart currently provides both nonemergency transport and some emergency backup. "I do think we probably need to get a contract in place for the backup on emergency calls," S3 said, emphasizing the county’s interest in a written agreement that clarifies services.
Neil Smith (S6), appearing for Braveheart, reported a total call volume of 4,041 and described backup-call counts (roughly 37 the previous year, with year‑to‑date backups fluctuating). "Total call volume we ran was 4,041," S6 said. Commissioners asked S6 and staff to provide billing detail showing how many backup calls were billed and how many went unpaid so the county can assess the fiscal impact of backup coverage.
The board generally agreed to table any final contracting decision until staff returns with billing and unpaid-claims data and a comparative analysis of options (including using SCATS or other DOT transport programs where appropriate).
Next steps: Braveheart to provide a breakdown of backup calls and billing/payment status; staff to compare alternative transport options and present recommendations at a future meeting.
