Another upcoming mediation session has been scheduled to help settle a lawsuit concerning the disposition of assets from Southeastern Ohio Emergency Medical Services, the now defunct tri-county organization.

The SEOEMS served Jackson, Athens, and Lawrence Counties, but was dissolved in 2010 when Athens and Jackson decided to no longer participate, forcing Lawrence County to begin a service of its own in 2011. Lawrence County later filed a lawsuit requesting more than $1 million in damages and asking to be reimbursed for the money owed because of assets and debts were not distributed according to the formula of 40% for Athens, 40% to Lawrence, and 20% to Jackson for receipts paid over expenditures.

The amounts over the years that the SEOEMS was still in operation added up to a hefty tally. In 2008, Lawrence County was owed more than $169,000, in 2009 more than $118,000, and in 2010, more than $12,000. This is the amount a state audit showed was owed to Lawrence, according to Lawrence County officials.

The reason the issue is still in dispute is because there is an issue finding out what the actual bills are for SEOEMS and to get a definite number. There is also debate over who should pay and what portion will be paid by whom.

Despite the stumbling blocks, representatives for Lawrence County are optimistic a resolution is in the near future. At this point, everyone involved is eager to move forward and they believe mediation will be the best tool to help them accomplish this.