(A) Prior to accepting applications for the operation of any service, the Board of Commissioners may designate specific service areas as franchise districts. Said districts will be established using criteria that includes geographic size, road access, the location of existing medical transportation services, population, and response time. The county shall have the authority to redistrict or rearrange existing districts at any time at their discretion.
(B) An applicant may apply for a franchise to operate an ambulance service, emergency or convalescent, rescue service, or medical first responder unit or any two or all three. If more than one service is to be provided, an application must be filed for each service.
(C) Upon receipt of an application for a franchise, the county shall schedule a time and place for hearing the applicant. Within 30 days after hearing, the county shall cause such investigation as it may deem necessary to be made of the applicant and his or her proposed operations.
(D) A franchise may be granted if the county finds that:
(1) The applicant meets county/state standards and standards outlined in the franchise ordinance.
(2) The proposed service will fit within the existing services as not to adversely affect the level of service or operations of other franchisees to render service.
(3) A need exists for the rendered service in order to improve the level of service available to residents of the county helping to assure the provision of adequate and continuing service which preserves, protects, and promotes the public health, safety, and welfare and that granting the franchise is a reasonable and cost effective manner of meeting the need.
(Ord. passed 6-26-1997)