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Council approves $6,310 to EMS amid staffing shortages; members cite recruitment challenge
Summary
Orangeville council approved a $6,310 payment to EMS to help fund EMT wage increases after members described persistent staffing shortfalls; council said the contribution aims to retain responders while staff pursue additional funding sources.
The Orangeville City Council voted June 10 to pay EMS $6,310 to help cover increases to EMT pay, reflecting a council concern that the local EMS provider is short-staffed and struggling to recruit responders.
Councilmembers discussed numbers provided at a recent EMS meeting showing multiple daily calls and the effect of insurance and billing practices on EMS revenues. Councilmembers said some neighboring towns are paying different amounts based on population and that the provider asked municipalities to contribute because no other funding stream was available.
Councilmember Kevin moved the payment; Tracy seconded the motion and the council approved the $6,310 disbursement. Members said they are also pursuing other funding sources including county pools of money and potential state grants and that the payment is intended to be a near-term step to preserve ambulance response capacity.
Council discussion emphasized a shortage of EMTs across towns in the area and the council's view that a municipal contribution signals local commitment to emergency services while recruitment and additional funding are pursued. No contractual amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes; staff were directed to process the approved payment.
