NEWPORT-First Call Ambulance is reportedly negotiating the purchase of Allied EMS, according to Cocke County Mayor Vaughn Moore.

During his report to the Cocke County Legislative Body Monday evening, Moore said he was contacted by First Call about a month ago to inquire if Allied's contract with the county, which was approved in June, could be transferred.

"I talked with the county attorney (Carter Moore) and he said it could be," said the Mayor.

"We met last week and had a conference call today. This needs to be approved by the CLB. Mr. (Mike) Ross (president of First Call) will be here about 30 minutes before our next CLB meeting in October."

Vaughn Moore also said he would like to call a meeting of the Public Safety Committee for 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 to discuss the situation.

For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.