After a contentious meeting that lasted almost two hours, the Augusta Commission deadlocked on approving a contract with Gold Cross EMS to continue service in the consolidated city.
Meanwhile, Gold Cross has submitted its resignation to the Georgia Board of Health, according to Augusta Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Garrett and Gold Cross Vice President Steven Vincent.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson says that while he acknowledges the city is in a crisis in terms of now having to come up with a new plan for emergency services, no one should be worried about receiving immediate care if necessary.
“I am displeased, of course, that the commission could not reach a consensus, but that does not mean that calls to 911 will go unanswered. We will figure this thing out. I am disappointed, but we still have room to negotiate,” Johnson said.
District 5 Commissioner Bobby Williams led the effort to sever ties with Gold Cross EMS.
The message from Vincent to Richmond County Commissioners is below.
“In accordance with Georgia Department of Public Heath (“DPH”) Rule 511-9-2-.04(4)(a)(2), Gold Cross EMS, Inc., (“Gold Cross”) as the designated 911 Zone Provider for Richmond County, Georgia, hereby notifies DPH that it intends to voluntarily surrender its designation status for its assigned Emergency Response Zone in Richmond County, Georgia, effective immediately.
Gold Cross will continue as 911 Zone Provider for Columbia County.”
