Thurston County staff seek two EMS position reclassifications, say costs covered by medical levy

Thurston County Human Resources on Tuesday asked the Board of County Commissioners to approve two reclassifications in the Emergency Medical Services program meant to reflect expanded duties and the program’s increased financial complexity.

Maria Ponte, Human Resources director, told commissioners the department is requesting that an existing fiscal manager be reclassified to senior management analyst to match broader financial oversight duties, including coordinating federal reimbursements during large-scale emergencies. Ponte said the second request would change the title and duties of a basic life support program manager to “Medic 1 program manager” to separate clinical and operational responsibilities and allow required physician specialization.

The presenters said both changes are funded from the county’s medical levy and will be absorbed within the Medic 1 program budget. Ponte said there is no impact to the county general fund and that the changes are reflected in the program’s 10‑year forecast. Commissioners asked for the supporting documentation that staff had emailed and indicated they would review the materials before the next formal meeting.

No formal vote was recorded in the work session; staff asked that the items be placed on the consent agenda for the Sept. 16 board meeting for formal action.

Commissioners and staff framed the requests as technical reclassifications to align duties, not as expansions requiring general-fund support. The board requested the additional background material to be circulated ahead of the Sept. 16 meeting.

The county manager and HR staff said they would provide the supplemental e-briefing and any follow-up answers before second review.