(A) Complaints or alleged violations of this chapter must be in writing and directed to the County Department of Emergency Services (through the Beaufort County Manager, 121 W. 3rd Street, Washington, NC 27889) for processing.
(B) The County Department of Emergency Services shall assure due process for any complaints or alleged violations as follows:
(1) After the preliminary investigation and necessary fact findings, provide a hearing by the Oversight Committee where both sides have an opportunity to present their case regarding the written complaint or alleged violation in person (should they so choose);
(2) The Oversight Committee shall deliberate following the hearing, excluding any parties who were involved in the complaint;
(3) The decision of the Oversight Committee regarding the written complaint shall be sent by mail to all parties within 15 days of the hearing, providing procedures for appeal;
(4) Upon receipt of the Oversight Committee's written decision, each organization will have 15 days to send a written appeal to the Board of Commissioners through the Beaufort County Manager, 121 W. 3rd Street, Washington, NC 27889; and
(5) Upon receipt of written appeal, the Board of Commissioners shall render a decision in writing within 45 days. The decision, at their discretion, may include, but not be limited to, probation, suspension, fines, or termination of franchise.
(C) Default in any of the terms or conditions of this chapter by non-emergency franchisees may cause termination of the franchise at the discretion of the county.
(D) Any person filing two or more written and proven false complaints against any employee or the organization operating the ambulance services covered under this chapter shall be in violation of this chapter and guilty of a Class 3 Misdemeanor. An example of which would be the false or frivolous complaint against any ambulance service or any employee or representative of an ambulance service with the intent to cause a fine, suspension, probation, or termination of any ambulance franchise.
(Ord. passed 6-2-2014; Ord. passed 9-10-2018)
Penalty, see § 112.99