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Commissioners agree to consider $2 raise for EMTs and await hospital study before further pay changes
Summary
County leaders discussed EMS staffing challenges and directed that a $2-an-hour increase for EMTs be considered during budget planning, while a pending hospital study will inform future decisions for advanced EMTs and paramedics.
Pulaski County commissioners discussed a hospital study and pay adjustments for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and signaled support for prioritizing a $2-an-hour increase for EMTs pending the upcoming budget process.
County staff and commissioners said turnover is highest among EMTs and that the county may gain immediate retention benefits by raising EMT pay while awaiting the results of a hospital staffing study that will shed light on advanced EMT and paramedic staffing needs. One commissioner recommended giving the EMT raise first to “buy some grace” while the hospital study is reviewed and to revisit pay for advanced positions based on that study.
The board indicated they will consider the $2 raise for EMTs as part of the budget process and will use the hospital study findings to decide on additional adjustments for advanced EMTs and paramedics. A motion related to EMS pay was acknowledged and carried in the meeting minutes, with commissioners voting in favor by voice vote; the transcript records further follow-up during budget discussions.
