Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Ems topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brentwood selectmen table plan to restore 24/7 EMS coverage as officials seek cost details
Summary
Select board members delayed a decision on a plan from the fire chief to fund round-the-clock ambulance coverage, saying they needed more details on costs and staffing. The chief proposed using per‑diems and reassignments this year and warned of frequent nights without coverage if nothing changes.
Brentwood selectmen on Monday delayed a vote on a plan to restore two-person night coverage for the town’s emergency medical services after weeks of staffing shortfalls and a finance uncertainty.
The move leaves the town’s proposal for expanded night coverage — which Fire Chief Byrd said would cost roughly $95,309 for the balance of 2025 and raise the 2026 budget by an estimated 7.85% — under review while board members and the incoming deputy discuss details in nonpublic session next week.
Chief Byrd told the board the department has faced multiple nights this year with no one available in town and that a third of ambulance calls come at night. He said the department could meet the immediate need by shifting to more per‑diem staffing and by eliminating the existing unpaid stipend scheme used to cover open shifts, but that doing so would change ongoing costs for 2026. "I'm telling you up front what it's gonna cost you next year," Byrd said in presenting his estimate.
Board members pressed for more clarity about long‑term costs and whether hiring full‑time staff or continuing with per‑diem coverage was the more sustainable option. Select Board member John (last name not specified in the record) urged the board to ensure 24/7 coverage for residents calling 911. Others, including Select Board member Paul, said the town should involve Andy (selectman absent) and the incoming deputy in the staffing and compensation discussion.
The board voted 4–0 to table the item to next week's meeting and to plan a follow‑up nonpublic session that will include Chief Byrd and the incoming deputy. The chief said he would remain transparent about costs and staffing plans.
Why it matters: Brentwood residents rely on the town’s fire and EMS crews for emergency medical responses. Periods with no on‑duty personnel leave the town dependent on mutual aid from neighboring departments and can increase response times.
What happens next: The select board directed staff to reconvene with the chief and the incoming deputy to refine cost estimates and to consider whether a warrant article to add permanent full‑time positions is needed for 2026. The matter will return to the board for action next week.
