The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners discussed rumors that Mitchell Medics, the private contractor that runs emergency medical services in Mitchell County, might merge with another organization, at the board’s regular meeting last week.
Concern had been expressed on social media and in other places that a merger would hurt the benefits currently offered to emergency medical personnel.
“About a week or so ago we were getting word that a new group was wanting to purchase … Mitchell Medics,” County Manager Allen Cook said at the meeting. “Looking at that and exploring that, we found there were going to be some big changes for the employees.”
Cook said the county asked Craig Sullivan, owner of Mitchell Medics, to clarify the situation, and he confirmed that a company called Priority Ambulance is interested in purchasing the business.
Cook said he and Commissioner Dale Blevins questioned Sullivan about how this deal might affect Mitchell County.
“I think Commissioner Blevins said it best — Mitchell County is wanting to make sure those citizens working in the county are taken care of,” Cook said. “The staff were very concerned — it’s their job; it’s their livelihood.”
Board Chairman Jeff Harding said he was unhappy that news of a potential sale first got out through rumors.
“I don’t do Facebook, but my son asked me what was going on,” Harding said.
Commissioner Harley Masters asked Cook to confirm that the county has to give Sullivan 180 days’ notice before leaving its Mitchell Medics contract, which he did.
“If Mitchell County wants to pursue other options, we have to give him 180 days,” Cook said.