EMS requests new ambulance and explains overtime increase tied to shift structure
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Summary
Coffee County EMS requested capital funding to buy a new ambulance and explained a large overtime line in its budget is driven by 24-hour shift structure rather than persistent short staffing; department said ARP funds could partially cover purchase and noted long delivery lead times.
Coffee County Emergency Medical Services told the Budget & Finance Committee on March 20 it plans to request capital outlay funding for a new ambulance and explained why overtime projections rise in the proposed budget.
The EMS presenter (name not specified) said the department requested approximately $125,000 in capital projects to obtain a new ambulance; the department expects to use ARP fund residuals (about $100,000 mentioned in the presentation) to reduce the general-fund ask. The speaker warned that delivery times for new ambulances are lengthy and currently estimated at 18 months or more.
Committee members asked about a roughly $37,000 increase in the overtime line. The EMS speaker explained that the service operates staff on 24-hour/48-hour shift schedules; the budgeted overtime reflects built-in overtime pay that results from that schedule rather than exclusively from short staffing. The speaker said the current fleet is in good condition though older mileage and maintenance wear are appearing; the department noted one recent deer strike and other vehicle maintenance items but said the Duramax chassis has been performing well.
The committee did not vote on a capital appropriation at the meeting; the EMS presenter said the department will continue to refine the capital request and expects to seek approval during the county capital budgeting process.