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Ash County to seek proposals for EMS staffing and pay study
Summary
The county authorized a request for proposals to study EMS staffing levels, pay and classifications to ensure competitiveness with neighboring counties ahead of potential county-run EMS services.
Ash County commissioners voted Oct. 6 to seek proposals for a classification and pay study for Emergency Medical Services staffing.
Adam, speaking for county administration, said the study would evaluate current staffing levels, pay and schedules and compare Ash County to neighboring counties such as Watauga and Wilkes and to other comparable high‑country counties. He said the county would solicit proposals and return to the board with results and costs before any further action.
“We would like to put out a request for proposals. Get a price on what this study would look like. Come back to the board with those studies, present those to you and look for action on those,” Adam said. Commissioners expressed urgency, noting the county is losing EMS employees to neighboring jurisdictions and asking the process be expedited.
The board approved a motion to issue an RFP for the EMS staffing/pay study; commissioners expressed interest in comparing pay and benefits to neighboring jurisdictions and said they do not want to delay the process.
Next steps: County staff will prepare and advertise the RFP, evaluate proposals when returned (estimated one to two months to get responses), and bring recommendations and cost estimates back to the board for decision.
