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Board approves $37,500 for EMS paramedic training to grow local workforce
Summary
To address paramedic staffing shortfalls, commissioners added $37,500 to the EMS budget to pay tuition/time for employees seeking higher certifications, with return-to-service contracts required.
Beaufort County commissioners approved adding $37,500 to the EMS budget for employee development, a program to pay eligible staff while they attend classes and clinicals to move from entry-level or intermediate certifications to paramedic level.
Chris (EMS representative) explained that recruiting certified paramedics has become difficult; the most frequent applicants are EMT basics or intermediate providers. To build local capacity, the county would pay employees to attend class and clinicals (costs cited in the workshop ranged from about $7,000 to up to roughly $28,000 for a full EMT-to-paramedic pathway) and require service commitments. "Under that scenario, we would ask that employee to work for us for the next 3 years. And if they leave prior to 3 years, then we prorate that money back," Chris said.
Commissioners noted operational staffing requirements on shifts and the need to maintain a minimum number of paramedics; Chris said the county needs to reach a sustained 70—20%+ paramedic coverage (not necessarily 100%) to avoid service degradation and overtime pressures.
Why it matters: The appropriation is intended to "grow your own" paramedic workforce, increase retention of locally based providers, and reduce gaps that force service reductions or overtime usage.
Discussion vs. decision: The board approved the recurring training allocation in the draft budget; staff described proposed contract terms requiring multi-year return-of-service and prorated repayment if employees leave early.
Ending: The EMS training program was added to the draft budget for the public hearing and is included as a recurring line in staff's summary of recommended changes.
