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Commission increases monthly stipend to Braveheart ambulance and instructs staff to finalize contract terms
Summary
The board approved continuing the Braveheart franchise arrangement and increasing the monthly stipend to $1,000 to offset non-emergency transport write-offs; staff will draft and finalize contract terms and clarify franchise enforceability.
Braveheart representatives told commissioners on June 1 that non‑emergency transport write‑offs approximate $23,000 annually and that the county stipend is intended to offset those losses. Commissioners debated franchise exclusivity and enforceability before voting to continue the stipend and raise it from $750 to $1,000 per month.
Commander or representative Mr. Neal Smith (Braveheart) described the write‑offs and said the company sometimes transports residents who cannot pay; Vice Chair O'Neal and others pressed staff on whether the county's franchise arrangement has been enforced when other providers operate non‑emergency transports.
Commissioner Williams moved to continue the stipend and increase monthly payment to $1,000; the motion carried unanimously. County staff were instructed to draft or revise the franchise contract to reflect the stipend terms, clarify the franchise's scope and any exclusivity or enforcement mechanisms, and return to the board with contract language.
Why it matters: Braveheart provides ambulance services locally, including transports for dialysis and medical appointments. The stipend partially offsets non‑emergency transport write‑offs but does not substitute for a full contractual rate‑setting discussion. Commissioners requested clear contract language and collection/enforcement procedures to clarify expectations.
What comes next: County Manager Snead will work with county attorney and Braveheart to finalize terms and return the contract for execution.
