City of Augusta’s meeting with EMS provider Gold Cross doesn’t go as planned

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) – Metropolis leaders have been imagined to have their first contract negotiation assembly with EMS Supplier Gold Cross on Friday. It ended up occurring with out Gold Cross current after the town decided the assembly needed to be executed in public. 

Commissioner Ben Hasan tells FOX54 that call got here from the Metropolis Lawyer’s workplace primarily based on the individuals within the assembly. 

“We have been notified yesterday night at about 6:10 that gold cross wouldn’t be attending the workshop,” Hasan says. 

Commissioners say Gold Cross pulled from the assembly as soon as they discovered that it was open to the general public, saying they don’t negotiate contracts in public. 

“It’s actually unprecedented to attempt to maintain a contract negotiation in a public discussion board the place there are various particulars, if you’re coping with a personal firm that doesn’t should be public,” says Commissioner Brandon Garrett. 

Friday’s snag comes as the town tries to maneuver its partnership with Gold Cross from a memorandum of understanding to a contract. One thing many on the Fee believes provides the town extra accountability in guaranteeing Gold Cross is holding up its finish of the deal. 

Commissioner John Clarke says the 2 sides are going to proceed to work collectively, regardless of Friday’s confusion. 

“Gold Cross is on the desk, they by no means left the desk. We’re on the desk. The desk moved a bit of bit, it’s not a serious setback, we’re going ahead,” Clarke says. 

Since Gold Cross was not current at Friday’s assembly no motion, or negotiations may very well be made. Commissioners inform FOX54 that metropolis workers will go to the negotiating desk with Gold Cross within the coming days. 

As soon as the 2 sides agree on a contract, its contents shall be introduced earlier than the total Fee for approval. That would come within the subsequent few weeks. 

Town’s present MOU with Gold Cross expires on Dec. 31, 2022. 

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