Lee County board authorizes staff to open EMS negotiations with First Health after MedEx talks fail

The Lee County Board of Commissioners on Monday authorized county staff to enter formal negotiations with First Health to provide emergency medical services after talks with the incumbent provider, MedEx, broke down.

Whitney, who delivered the EMS update to commissioners, said MedEx and the county were unable to agree on franchise terms and that staff contacted First Health — the other applicant from last summer — to determine whether it remained willing to serve the county beginning July 1. "First Health has indicated a willingness to do so," Whitney said, but they are seeking an additional $347,459 to help offset costs of keeping service covered through the transition.

Commissioners questioned whether a short-term one‑year contract might be feasible. Commissioner Martin pressed staff on whether a one‑year agreement had been proposed; Whitney and other staff said First Health preferred the five‑year option and that the county faces a tight timeline because EMS service must be in place by July 1. Staff also warned that state/local procedures require separate public‑hearing/reading steps for a franchise ordinance, limiting how quickly the board can finalize a contract.

After discussion of risk and timing, Commissioner Vorbic moved that staff respond to First Health with a letter confirming that a first reading of a franchise ordinance could be brought to the May 18 meeting and to begin negotiations. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The board did not adopt a contract at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue negotiating terms, to return with any written responses from First Health, and to present the ordinance at the May 18 meeting for the board’s consideration.