County Council reviews EMS budget and personnel funding amid growth challenges

The Sumner County Budget Committee convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary matters, focusing on personnel costs, capital expenditures, and operational needs for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the county's emergency services, particularly the need for additional personnel and resources.

The committee began by reviewing the general fund summary, where discussions revealed a significant financial adjustment related to the removal of five officer positions, which would save approximately $500,000. However, this decision raised concerns about maintaining adequate staffing levels in light of the county's growth.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the budget requests from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The EMS presented a request for salary increases, emphasizing the necessity of a step pay increase for field staff to remain competitive with other agencies. The committee noted that this increase would not apply to command staff or administrative personnel. Additionally, the EMS outlined plans to transition five AEMTs to paramedic positions and requested six new paramedic positions and three additional AEMT positions to address rising demand and reduce overtime costs.

The committee also discussed the implications of rising employee benefits costs, which are influenced by the addition of new personnel. The discussion included the impact of health insurance and life insurance increases, which are expected to rise significantly. The committee acknowledged that these costs would decrease if new hires were not made.

Another key topic was the county's retirement system, TCRS, which has seen a slight increase in contribution rates. The committee expressed concerns about potential future increases if market conditions do not improve, indicating that the county may face budgetary pressures in the coming years.

The meeting concluded with a review of operational costs, including the need for increased funding for maintenance and repair of aging ambulances. The EMS reported a backlog in receiving new ambulances due to supply chain issues, necessitating higher maintenance budgets for older vehicles.

Overall, the Budget Committee's discussions underscored the complexities of balancing personnel needs, operational demands, and financial constraints as Sumner County prepares for the next fiscal year. The committee plans to reconvene to further evaluate the budget requests and make necessary adjustments before finalizing the budget.