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EMS leaders propose short‑term staffing shift, EMT training plan and discuss ambulance repairs
Summary
Williams County EMS briefed commissioners on staffing shortages, a short‑term schedule change to add daytime coverage using in‑house staff, ongoing EMT training with a $1,500 tuition and several ambulances out for repair.
Williams County EMS told commissioners on Feb. 20 that staffing shortages have left the service in a “rough shape” but that new hires and upcoming orientations should improve capacity over coming months.
EMS leaders said the service owns 10 ambulances; about three were out of regular daily service because of mechanical problems or being staged for parts and repairs, leaving seven operational vehicles. One unit with 300,000 miles was identified as a candidate for a rear‑end repair; another was at a dealer for evaluation. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with vendors to speed needed repairs.
To stabilize daytime coverage, EMS chiefs proposed a short‑term change for March that would temporarily reassign one of the county’s paramedics to be second‑out on a daytime truck (called “LifeSpa 4” in the briefing) and reduce staffing expenses by using more in‑house personnel instead of hiring additional per‑diem staff. Staff estimated this cut would reduce personnel expense by roughly $1,000 per day while maintaining office duties and weekend staffing as normal. Commissioners encouraged the pilot but noted it should be temporary and reviewed.
On recruitment and training, EMS reported an active EMT class charged at $1,500 per student; some students make payments or receive partial scholarship support. Staff said previous free training produced low retention, and proposed a model in which students have “skin in the game” plus options for reimbursement or forgiveness if they commit to work for the county for a set period. The board asked EMS to present a written proposal by April 1 outlining reimbursement or commitment terms.
EMS also reviewed recent finances: January showed a profit in the ambulance service ledger and staff described revenue receipts and contract services costs (including a yearly AIM RAM/PCR billing expense). A donated $26,000 gift towards EMS operations was noted. Separately, EMA and grant purchases were discussed earlier in the meeting — a hazmat meter at about $57,000 was being pursued with grant funds.
Commissioners asked EMS to provide a plan for the proposed temporary schedule, follow up on vehicle repairs and bring a formal reimbursement/retention agreement for funded EMT slots by April 1.
