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7 <br /> 6. Public Hearings <br /> a. Public Hearing for EMS Franchise Ordinance for Johnston Ambulance <br /> Service, Inc. <br /> The Board conducted a public hearing on the need for ambulance services by Johnston <br /> Ambulance Service, Inc. <br /> Emergency Services Director Frank Montes de Oca said that he is bringing this forward <br /> to conduct a public hearing on the need for ambulance services by Johnston Ambulance <br /> Service, Inc. ("JAS"). <br /> Commissioner Gordon arrived at 7:28 pm. <br /> Frank Montes de Oca said that North Carolina General Statutes § 153A-250 provides <br /> that before a County may by ordinance franchise ambulance services in the County, "the <br /> Board of Commissioners must first hold a public hearing on the need for ambulance services." <br /> Notice must be published once a week for two successive weeks before the hearing. "After <br /> the hearing the Board may adopt an ordinance if it finds that to do so is necessary to assure <br /> the provision of adequate and continuing services and to preserve, protect, and promote the <br /> public health, safety, and welfare." <br /> If the Board determines a need for ambulance service exists, it may permit a franchise by <br /> Ordinance. Any franchise ordinance granted by the Board cannot, in accordance with North <br /> Carolina General Statute § 153A-46, be adopted "until it has been passed at two regular <br /> meetings of the Board of Commissioners." He said notice of this public hearing was <br /> appropriately published once a week for two successive weeks prior to the hearing. <br /> Frank Montes de Oca recognized Jeff White, President of JAS. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> Jeff White said that he would be glad to entertain any questions. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz asked what ambulance services JAS provides. Jeff White said <br /> that it is basically non-emergency transportation, such as being discharged from the hospital or <br /> taking patients to receive dialysis, etc. <br /> Commissioner Hemminger asked how often JAS is in Orange County's district and <br /> Jeff White said every day. JAS runs about 350-400 calls per month in Orange County. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner <br /> Hemminger to close the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Annette Moore said that the Board needed to deliberate on the need for an <br /> ambulance service and make a determination about whether a need exists. <br /> Chair Foushee said that this service takes some of the pressure off of Orange County <br /> and is a positive impact financially. <br /> Commissioner Nelson arrived at 7:32 pm. <br />