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Board authorizes county to fund paid ESS shifts for Deltaville rescue station amid financial shortfall
Summary
After being told the Middlesex Rescue Squad faced a cash shortfall, the Board of Supervisors authorized county staff to begin funding paid ESS shifts at the Deltaville station to maintain emergency medical coverage.
The Middlesex County Board of Supervisors authorized county staff to begin funding paid Emergency Staffed Services (ESS) crews at the Deltaville rescue station to prevent interruptions in emergency medical response after the local rescue squad reported a financial shortfall.
County staff said problems at the squad had been reported over the holidays and at a work session. Matt Walker (staff) told the board the county’s interim plan is to start covering ESS paid crews on behalf of the squad — similar to arrangements the county already maintains for other stations — and that current county budget lines could cover the obligation through about April. Walker said the county will receive reimbursement for transport fees billed by the paid crews, and staff will include projected reimbursements in accounting and the forthcoming memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the squad.
Supervisor action: Supervisor Reggie Williams moved and Supervisor Wayne Jesse seconded a motion authorizing staff to fund the ESS crews stationed at Deltaville. The motion passed unanimously on roll call.
Next steps and conditions: Staff said they will develop a written MOU with the rescue squad that spells out the county’s funding role, expectations for volunteer recruitment and retention, reporting and potential capital support. Walker told the board he will return with a proposed MOU in February or March. Staff also said they would identify a funding source for the near‑term payments (non‑departmental reserve or other capital contingency) and asked supervisors to consider the squad’s longer‑term sustainability, including volunteer incentives and operational changes.
Financial detail: Staff estimated the cost to cover the Deltaville paid crews could be “anywhere between $50,000 and $60,000 a month” (staff requested authorization to start funding immediately); staff said insurance and transport reimbursements would offset part of the expense but that the squad had been drawing on reserves to cover the paid crews. The board approved the temporary county funding to maintain uninterrupted coverage and asked staff to present an MOU and updated financial numbers as soon as practical.
