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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1389 (2)DEC 1 9 v 0 N Request for Approval of an Ambulance Service Franchise by NuCare: County Manager Mashburn said NuCare, a company providing ambulance services, had requested under the provisions of G.S. 153A-250 to be granted a five-year franchise. Mashburn said the staff recommended a shorter term of one year. Mr. Mashburn said also, the staff was recommending an ordinance revision stipulating a maximum length of time for a franchise. Commissioner Johnson said he understood the staff had concerns about NuCare's past and present operations. He said that while there had been some improvements, some problems still existed. Johnson requested that NuCare's business manager share information about future plans for the company. Jeff Corbett, with NuCare, acknowledged that problems had existed with the company in the past. Corbett said he created NuCare in 1997 with one ambulance. He said from a small operation, the company grew to become the second largest in North Carolina, and he left the business in 2001. Corbett said that in recent years, there had been management problems, and the company was seen as a satellite facility of a larger operation in Winston-Salem. He said about 18 months ago, he was requested to address some of the problems. Corbett said a manager was hired, who was a trained paramedic, and five strategies were implemented to improve service. He said steps towards independence had occurred, and effective January 1, 2007, NuCare/Iredell would be a totally independent entity managed by himself and Ricky Bustle (Director/Paramedic). Corbett said NuCare handled non -emergency calls and provided back-up for the county's EMS department. Corbett said (1) an emphasis would be placed on more training (2) two new ambulances would arrive in January and (3) the communication dispatch center would be improved. Corbett said his goal for NuCare was to operate "seamlessly" with the county, and that there be full accountability and on-going communication. Chairman Norman asked the ambulance costs. Corbett said slightly over $100,000, but this was for bare ambulances (no stock). Commissioner Williams said a one-year lease was a short timeframe to evaluate the progress and improvements. Williams suggested that the lease be increased to 24 months. Commissioner Johnson said he had concerns about the company's finances, and with the recent investments made by NuCare, he, too, felt it would take longer than a year to financially recover. Johnson said, however, he understood the staffs desire to protect the public by ensuring adequate ambulance service. Mr. Johnson said he also understood why Mr. Corbett would rather put the company's money in capital, or training, rather than an audit as required by the county's ordinance. OTIO by Commissioner Johnson to grant NuCare a two-year franchise with a report at the end of the fust year that provides information on whether or not the commitment made by Mr. Corbett has been lived up to. This being as follows: (1) local management or autonomy (2) enhancements or improvements in communications (3) maintain a level of training that can be afforded by the recently employed paramedic (this to be an on-going commitment) (4) an audit will not be required due to the appearance that the company is financially viable (example: recent purchase of two new ambulances and (5) the county staff review the ordinance for a revision stipulating a maximum amount of time that a franchise may be granted; plus to incorporate language indicating that when a franchise is up for renewal, there be an administrative fee to recover the county's cost for investigating the company's performance. (If a new company, the county would have to assess the financial viability.) Chairman Norman asked if Mr. Johnson was referring to a specific franchise area. Johnson said it would apply to any area in the county. Commissioner Williams said he agreed with the five stipulations, and he reminded everyone that the two new ambulances would not be delivered until January. He said NuCare would now have sufficient time to remedy the staff s concerns. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.