Commissioners back short-term recruitment package for EMS and 9-1-1 staffing; staff to return with retention data and contracts

Davidson County commissioners on May 1 authorized a short-term recruitment and retention package aimed at filling vacancies in EMS and the county’s 9-1-1 call center and directed staff to return with retention metrics and contract details for review.

Board action and follow-up: After an extended briefing from 9-1-1 and EMS staff and a discussion of recruiting options, commissioners voted to pursue a multi-part approach that includes continuing use of recruitment contractors (headhunters), a referral bonus program, targeted pay incentives for extra shifts, and administrative changes to make part‑time staffing more accessible. Staff were asked to continue existing recruiting contracts where already in place, to expand referral incentives, to lower the part‑time minimum-hour threshold (discussion settled on 60 hours as the target) so more part-time staff can qualify for incentives, and to reintroduce a cash-for-ride/shift bonus program modified with the new part‑time threshold. The board asked for a six-month review including retention data (who remains employed at set intervals) so the county can evaluate return on investment.

Why it matters: County…