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After closed session the board directs EMS privatization RFP; Braveheart and non-emergency transports also discussed
Summary
Following closed session the board unanimously directed staff to publish a Request for Proposals to privatize EMS services and to seek a five-year extension of EMS building funding; separately, Braveheart's representative described non-emergency transport volume and unpaid charges, and commissioners discussed using SCATS for non-emergency trips.
After a closed session on personnel and legal matters, the Scotland County Board of Commissioners instructed staff to publish a Request for Proposals to privatize emergency medical services and unanimously approved a motion to ask state Senator Danny Britt for an extension of EMS-building funding (the motion was amended to request a five-year extension).
Vice Chair O'Neal made the motion to publish the RFP and Commissioner Shelley seconded; the vote was unanimous. The board also voted unanimously to send a letter requesting the funding extension; the County Manager noted that a short extension would not be sufficient to complete construction and supported asking for a longer window.
Earlier in the meeting, Neil Smith of Braveheart described his organization's role providing non-emergency transport and backup assistance to EMS. "In 2025 I wrote off over $15,000 of transports without insurance," Smith said, and he reported that Braveheart logged 4,041 total calls and an average of roughly 57 backup calls per year. Commissioners discussed whether the county's SCATS service could handle non-emergency transports and tabled further action until staff can explore options.
The board's post–closed-session actions also included unanimous acceptance of the sheriff's resignation effective Sept. 30, 2026; no replacement details were provided at the meeting.
