Commissioners approve second reading of EMS franchise ordinance and authorize 1st Health agreement

The Lee County Board of Commissioners completed the required second reading of an EMS franchise ordinance for 1st Health of the Carolinas and approved the accompanying franchise agreement covering emergency medical services for the county.

County attorney (speaker 4) reminded the board that the existing county franchise with 1st Health is set to expire June 30, 2026, and reviewed the procurement process, which included an ambulance advisory-committee review and three public hearings. He said the ambulance advisory committee had unanimously recommended 1st Health following the county’s application review.

Following the second reading of the ordinance, the board voted to approve the franchise agreement, which the county attorney said would be effective June 30 and run for five years. The attorney noted that exhibits were provided to the board but that Exhibit F (1st Health’s indigent-care program) was outstanding; the county will incorporate that exhibit once submitted by 1st Health. The attorney said the ordinance requires two readings under state law and this meeting satisfied that requirement.

During public comment earlier in the meeting, residents raised concerns about the EMS contracting process and service satisfaction with 1st Health; an attendee (speaker 23) asked for answers about why an earlier medics arrangement was canceled and said local users reported dissatisfaction with 1st Health service.

The board’s recorded votes were taken by voice; the transcript records at least one commissioner expressing opposition during the second-reading vote and then the board moving to approve the franchise agreement, with the county attorney confirming paperwork would be finalized once the vendor provides the outstanding exhibit.

What’s next: The franchise agreement will take effect June 30, 2026, subject to final inclusion of all exhibits from 1st Health.