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Martin County board approves revised Ambulance Service Franchise ordinance on second reading
Summary
After debate and a prior 3-2 vote in August, the Board approved an amended Ambulance Service Franchise Ordinance addressing definitions, application and renewal fees, inspection and enforcement procedures, insurance requirements, and limits on franchise operators; the measure passed 4-1 on second reading.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners approved on second reading an amended Ambulance Service Franchise Ordinance that codifies application and renewal procedures, inspection and enforcement processes, insurance limits, and operational standards for ambulance providers in the county.
The ordinance, submitted by the Ambulance Services Advisory Council and read into the record by County Manager David Bone, updates Chapter 10 (Emergency Services) to define advanced and basic life-support levels, require state permits plus county franchises, and allow the county to limit the number of franchise operators to five. It requires franchisees to maintain specified insurance (general liability and vehicle limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and umbrella coverage) and to comply with state certification and vehicle/equipment standards.
Chairman Elmo "Butch" Lilley commended the Ambulance Advisory Council and EMS Medical Director for their work. Commissioner Ronnie Smith reiterated concerns previously raised about omissions in the draft and urged the Council to continue its review; Smith voted against the final motion. The ordinance sets application and renewal timelines and fees consistent with county practice, establishes inspection and complaint procedures through the Martin County Office of Emergency Medical Services and the Council, and prescribes fines, suspensions, and potential termination for repeated violations.
The Board recorded that the amended ordinance was read and approved 3-2 at the Aug. 16 meeting and on second reading was approved by a 4-1 vote on Sept. 13, 2017. The ordinance text covers franchise application contents, hearing and appeal rights, annual renewal terms, grandfathering of existing providers, communication and record-keeping standards, and penalties for frivolous complaints.
The Board did not identify any immediate funding implications beyond administrative oversight; implementation will be managed by the Martin County Office of Emergency Medical Services per the ordinance.
The Board will include the ordinance in the county code and the clerk attested the resolution in the meeting minutes.
