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Buckfield rescue proposes higher wages, training and med‑supply costs; billing revenue projected at $225,000
Summary
Rescue staff proposed raising pay scales for EMTs and paramedics to improve retention and recruitment, budgeted for rising med‑box refill costs and training, and projected contract and billing revenue of about $225,000.
Town rescue officials at the budget workshop described a multi‑part request to raise hourly wages and to budget for rising medical supply and training costs.
Stacy, a rescue department representative, told the workshop that current base pay for EMTs (around $17/hour historically) is well below regional comparables and that staff reviewed the MMA salary survey. Proposed new pay bands would set paramedics at about $27/hour, advanced EMTs at $24/hour and basic EMTs at $21/hour, Stacy said; drivers and junior responders would remain at minimum wage to preserve a ladder for advancement.
Stacy said training costs have risen and the rescue service uses paid training as a retention tool — staff who accept paid licensure classes sign an agreement to remain with the service for two years or repay prorated training costs. Staff also reported a new charge from MaineHealth for med‑box refills that previously were provided without cost, which prompted an increase in the medical supplies line.
On revenue, staff proposed a rescue billing revenue estimate of $225,000 and noted the billing company keeps about 5.5% of that figure. A basic life support (BLS) transport figure discussed in the meeting was a $945 flat rate plus $23 per loaded mile; interviewees noted insured/Medicare negotiated rates are generally lower than billed amounts and collections lag billed totals.
Why it matters: Rescue staffing and supplies directly affect emergency medical coverage for residents. Staff argued higher, certification‑tiered wages would improve retention and reduce reliance on mutual‑aid intercepts and paid ALS support.
Discussion highlights - Staffing/pay: proposed bands intended to approach the fiftieth percentile in regional wage surveys (paramedic $27/hr, AEMT $24/hr, EMT $21/hr). - Supplies and contracts: med‑box refill costs are now billed; pro‑care service contract renewal and med supply inflation were cited as reasons to increase the medical line. - Revenue: proposed contract and billing revenue of $225,000, with a billing company fee of roughly 5.5%; staff reported an outstanding billing backlog that can affect timing of collections.
What remains unresolved: the rescue billing tax on revenue under legislative consideration (staff said a proposed 6% state tax on revenues could affect net receipts) and the longer‑term plan for ambulance replacement and remounting (staff reported a reserve of about $108,000 toward capital replacements and an expected remount quote in the $200,000 range).
