(1) Cities of the first class, cities of the second class, and counties, whether or not they establish an EMS board as provided in this chapter, have all the powers that an EMS board is granted in this chapter and may exercise those powers alone or in conjunction with an EMS board.
(2) The cities and counties may franchise, exclusively or otherwise, emergency medical services, ambulances, ambulance companies, their related properties, facilities, equipment, personnel, and all aspects attendant to providing emergency medical services and ambulance operations within the cities or counties, whether or not owned and operated by the cities or counties.
(3) If an exclusive franchise is issued, the process employed in the issuance shall provide periodic opportunity for competitive solicitation of ambulance franchise applications.