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Board advances EMS franchise with First Health despite objections from some commissioners
Summary
After a second reading of the EMS franchise ordinance, the board moved to approve a five‑year franchise agreement with First Health of the Carolinas that staff said is needed to avoid gaps in emergency coverage; the transcript records at least one dissent during the voice vote, and the final roll‑call tally is not included in the provided excerpt.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners completed the second reading of an EMS franchise ordinance and moved to approve a five‑year franchise agreement with First Health of the Carolinas that county staff said is necessary to maintain uninterrupted emergency medical services.
The county attorney summarized the franchise selection process and noted that the Ambulance Advisory Committee previously recommended First Health following a review and public hearings. The ordinance requires two readings under state statute; commissioners conducted the second reading and then considered approval of the franchise agreement, which county staff said would take effect June 30.
County staff emphasized the operational risk of failing to execute a franchise agreement. "If it's not funded there would be a significant risk of gaps in emergency response coverage as the county would have no ems provider beginning July 1," the county manager said during budget remarks that framed the funding need the board was weighing.
Commissioners moved to approve the five‑year franchise agreement. The transcript records at least two instances of commissioners saying "no" during the voice vote, indicating dissent; the provided transcript excerpt does not include a complete roll‑call tally. The agreement was presented with supporting exhibits in the board packet; staff said one exhibit (First Health’s indigent care program) would be incorporated when received from the vendor.
