Tough budget times could mean the loss of two EMS stations in one Eastern Carolina county.
Duplin County commissioners have given preliminary approval to a new budget that closes the two stations and eliminates 12 EMS positions. Four of those positions are currently vacant.
Commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday night on the new budget which if approved will close down EMS stations in Kenansville and Rose Hill. A final vote on the budget could happen after that public hearing.
Commissioners say the proposal would close the county's two newest EMS stations, which were opened in 2006. Some residents have voiced concern that the move would put people too far away from critical emergency care in the rural county.
