Non‑Emergency Ambulance Franchises, Two Major Job Deals

The Durham County Board of Commissioners approved multiple non‑emergency ambulance franchises and clarified that providers bill patients directly, not the county. The board also unanimously backed performance‑based awards for a new headquarters by Aspida Financial Services and a Novartis manufacturing expansion, citing nearly 1,300 projected jobs and commitments to internships, school programs, and local hiring. Commissioners additionally accepted final‑year SAMHSA funds supporting EMS opioid and overdose response. 19mins

Economic Development Education Fire & EMS Health
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Original Meeting

Monday, December 8th, 2025
8717.548
Board of County Commissioners on 2025-12-08 7:00 PM - Regular Session
Full Meeting on Granicus
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Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
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In This Video
  • Chair Lee opened a public hearing on awarding a non-emergency ambulance franchise and invited the EMS Director to present the purpose, requirements, and recommendations.
  • EMS Director Seth Kamansky outlined the purpose of franchising non-emergency ambulance services, summarized qualifications and capabilities of multiple applicants, and recommended granting two‑year franchises subject to the public hearing and Board discretion.
  • Durham resident Victoria Peterson, during public comment, asked for workforce diversity data on the applicants, including counts of African American employees and women, and requested the contract dollar amount.
  • EMS Chief Seth Komansky explained that non-emergency ambulance providers handle scheduled transports for facilities and hospitals to free 911 resources, expedite hospital discharges, and bill patients directly, noting there was no county contract involved.
  • A representative from a non-emergency ambulance provider described serving multiple counties, employing about 55 staff with an even gender split and a diverse workforce, and noted that most employees were under age 25.
  • Chair Lee reported that the county staffed roughly 65 to 70 positions with about 43% female employees and described the workforce as diverse, while noting specific race or ethnicity counts were not available.
  • Commissioner Jacobs expressed support for having multiple non-emergency ambulance franchises to increase choice, ensure service coverage for facilities and residents, and reduce workload on EMS staff.
  • Chair Lee congratulated the newly approved non‑emergency ambulance franchisees and expressed anticipation for working with them.
  • Chair Lee opened a second public hearing to consider a performance-based award for Project Speedy with Aspida Financial Services.
  • Economic Development Manager Matt Filter presented a public hearing request for a performance-based award up to $750,000 for Project Speedy (Aspida Financial Services), outlining 1,000 new jobs, $28.75 million in investment, self-funding via new tax revenue, and commitments to internships, school programs, job fairs, and financial literacy events.
  • Director Darian Harris of Durham Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education program supported Aspida’s expansion and highlighted the partnership’s potential to create accessible, well‑paid jobs and career pathways for local students.
  • Commissioner Burton welcomed Project Speedy’s commitment to financial literacy efforts for secondary students and partnership with Durham Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education program.
  • Commissioner Jacobs emphasized the importance of connecting schools and students to well‑paid jobs that enable residents to build careers and remain in Durham.
  • The Board unanimously approved the performance-based award for Project Speedy with Aspida Financial Services following a motion and second.
  • Economic Development Manager Matt Filter introduced a public hearing and approval of a performance-based award up to $5.5 million for Novartis Gene Therapies’ Arrowwood and Red Cedar projects, outlining 280 new jobs, $540 million in investment, self-funding via new tax revenue, and commitments to support DPS and Durham Tech programs and local job fairs.
  • A representative from Novartis expressed enthusiasm about expanding in Durham near an existing gene therapy facility and highlighted the company’s commitment to continue partnering and advancing medicine.
  • Executive Director Jones supported Novartis’s expansion and highlighted alignment with Durham Tech’s forthcoming life science facility, noting hundreds of promised jobs including roles accessible with two-year degrees or industry certifications.
  • Interim Executive Director Brianna Kennedy of the Durham Public Schools Foundation supported the Novartis award, citing an existing partnership and the potential for graduates to move directly into thriving‑wage life science careers in Durham.
  • A speaker asked for current employee counts, workforce diversity, the number of Durham residents employed, education levels, and high‑salary figures for the company, and Chair Lee directed the speaker to already available information and to pose questions to staff.
  • A speaker explained that performance awards included clawback provisions to recover funds if companies missed targets and noted past success with due diligence and meeting goals.
  • Commissioner Burton expressed enthusiasm for the company’s expansion and student partnerships and affirmed that the Board would hold the company accountable.
  • Commissioner Valentine expressed anticipation for shared community prosperity from the company’s presence and noted the Board looked forward to the resulting tax revenues.
  • Commissioner Jacobs highlighted stories of lives improved by Novartis’ gene therapies and emphasized that the company’s work saved lives and supported families.
  • Chair Lee highlighted that the two projects together were expected to create nearly 1,300 jobs in Durham County.
  • The Board voted and unanimously approved the motion following a proper motion and second.
  • Chair Lee summarized and approved a budget ordinance amendment to recognize $369,949 in Year 4 funds from a SAMHSA grant for the EMS Division and authorized the County Manager to execute related contracts during the grant period.
  • Victoria Peterson urged action on visible homelessness and mental health crises and asked how the SAMHSA grant funds would be used, including whether they would partner with the city’s HEART program.
  • Commissioner Jacobs clarified that the SAMHSA grant was in its fourth and final year and supported an EMS program focused on opioid and overdose response.
  • A speaker explained that the SAMHSA-funded First Responders Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act program distributed over 3,000 naloxone kits, initiated opioid use disorder treatment in the field via the community paramedic program, connected people to services, and clarified that SAMHSA provided the funds.
  • The Board approved the motion unanimously following a proper motion and second.
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