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Wakulla County fire leaders and staff cite higher personnel costs after adding engine companies; county to study fire apportionment and EMS MSBU feasibility
Summary
Chief Lewis and county staff said hiring experienced firefighter‑paramedics increased payroll and benefit costs and drove up the fire fund’s expenditures; staff proposed a temporary fire assessment increase and several studies to rebalance apportionment and explore a dedicated EMS MSBU.
Wakulla County fire leadership and county finance staff told commissioners at the budget workshop that adding engine companies and recruiting experienced paramedics improved service but increased personnel and benefit costs, prompting recommendations for a study of fire assessment apportionment and a potential temporary assessment increase.
Chief Lewis described the county’s recent hires as bringing experience to the fire service: "In the last 10 hires, we have over 60 years experience combined between all of them," he said, and he noted the department had recruited paramedics and that several EMTs had advanced to paramedic certification. Staff said the higher pay for…
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