Ashe County officials are addressing concerns surrounding the management of local emergency services after a recent meeting revealed significant miscommunication regarding potential changes to the Ashmedics operations. During the May 19, 2025, County Commission meeting, Craig, a representative involved in the discussions, clarified that no formal agreements or changes are currently in place, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.

The meeting highlighted the confusion stemming from discussions about streamlining operations, which had inadvertently led to employee anxiety over potential benefit cuts and changes in service delivery. Craig emphasized that his intentions were solely to explore operational improvements and not to alter employee benefits or the quality of service provided to the community. He acknowledged that misinformation had circulated among staff, exacerbating tensions.

Commissioners expressed frustration over the lack of communication, particularly given the substantial taxpayer investment in emergency services, which amounts to nearly $2 million annually. They stressed the importance of transparency and the need for Craig to engage with both the board and employees before exploring any potential partnerships or operational changes.

Moving forward, Craig committed to addressing employee concerns directly and rebuilding trust within the workforce. The commissioners underscored the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication to prevent similar issues in the future. As the situation develops, the focus will remain on ensuring that Ashmedics continues to provide reliable service while safeguarding employee welfare.