HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-02-2010 - 5bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 2, 2010
Action Agenda
Item No. 5 - b
SUBJECT: Public Hearing for EMS Franchise
DEPARTMENTS: Emergency Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) Yes
County Attorney
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Frank Montes de Oca, Emergency
Services, 245-6100
Annette M. Moore, Staff Attorney,
245-2317
PURPOSE: To conduct a public hearing on the need for ambulance services.
BACKGROUND: North Carolina General Statute § 153A-250 provides that before a County
may by ordinance franchise ambulance services in the County, "the Board of Commissioners
must first hold a public hearing on the need for ambulance services." Notice must be published
once a week for two successive weeks before the hearing. "After the hearing the Board may
adopt an ordinance if it finds that to do so is necessary to assure the provision of adequate and
continuing services and to preserve protect, the promote the public health, safety, and welfare."
Notice has been published as provided in the statute.
If the Board determines a need for ambulance service exists it may permit a franchise by
Ordinance. Any franchise ordinance granted by the Board cannot, in accordance with N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 153A-46, be adopted "until it has been passed at two regular meetings of the
Board of Commissioners."
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
(1) Receive public comments;
(2) Deliberate on the need for ambulance services;
(3) Make a determination as to whether a need exists to permit by franchise an ambulance
service; and
(4) If the Board determines a need exists, direct staff to negotiate with franchise applicants
on a Franchise Agreement to bring to the Board.