Dickinson approves 90-day contract paramedics to ease staffing, reduce overtime
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Summary
The Dickinson City Commission voted unanimously to pursue a 90‑day contract-paramedic arrangement (option 3) to relieve short staffing, reduce overtime costs and evaluate long‑term staffing needs; staff will return with a contract for legal review and final approval.
The Dickinson City Commission on Aug. 5 voted to pursue a 90‑day contract‑paramedic pilot to address short staffing and high overtime costs in the city’s emergency medical services.
Fire Chief Prysnow told the commission the department is short four paramedics and is proposing to hire two contract paramedics under a 90‑day arrangement to provide immediate coverage, reduce overtime and give existing staff a break.
City Administrator Dossinger and Prysnow said staff compared costs for filling shifts with overtime, hiring a full‑time employee and three contract options. Prysnow recommended “option 3,” a contract model in which the city pays an hourly wage plus lodging (the city would arrange guaranteed hotel lodging at a negotiated rate). Prysnow said option 3 would cost about $53,910 for the 90‑day period per paramedic versus higher overtime costs if the city continued current coverage levels.
Commissioners asked how many positions would be covered and how the contract would be funded. Prysnow said the city is only seeking two contract paramedics for the pilot and that rising call volume — “averaging 8 to 10 calls a day,” including significant trauma calls — increased urgency. Prysnow said the contract company encourages successful contract paramedics to apply for full‑time positions and allows early contract termination if the city hires them.
Deputy discussion and financing: Chief Prysnow and City Administrator Dossinger confirmed the cost would come from 2025 salary savings in the EMS budget tied to currently unfilled positions; no additional budget appropriation would be required. Dossinger said existing salary savings are sufficient to cover the pilot.
Motion and next steps: Commissioner Bair moved to approve option 3; Commissioner Riddle seconded. The vote was unanimous: Commissioner Bair — aye; Commissioner Riddle — aye; Commissioner Frederick — aye; Chair Decker — aye. Commissioners instructed staff to contract with the vendor, subject to legal review, and return the finalized contract for commission approval.
The pilot is explicitly limited to 90 days; staff will continue active recruitment for permanent hires and will use the pilot period to inform longer‑term staffing decisions.
