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Bluff council discusses using 9/11 fundraiser funds to subsidize EMS training
Summary
Councilmembers reviewed a proposal to use local 9/11 fundraising dollars to subsidize EMT training, discussed repayment milestones and scholarship options, and agreed to proceed by consensus for one interested applicant while staff work out details with San Juan County.
The Bluff Town Council met Wednesday to consider using proceeds from local 9/11 fundraising to help pay for emergency medical services (EMS) training for residents.
Town Manager Erin Nelson presented a proposal that would have the town pay 50% of an EMT course fee at sign-up, with additional reimbursement tied to meeting certification milestones. Nelson said the total class cost is $700 and proposed the town: pay half at enrollment, repay 25% upon passing the state exam (plus exam and registration fees), and cover the remaining amount after about three months of service shifts. Nelson said she is open to adjusting percentages and timing.
Council members pressed for safeguards after recounting prior instances in which the town covered training costs but applicants did not complete certification or left the community. Discussion included scholarship options and use of state programs. One attendee noted the state Custom Fit program can reimburse training costs (reportedly paying half when a business sponsors an employee) but typically requires the trainee to pay upfront and show completion to receive funds back. Nelson confirmed that the $700 course fee is paid to San Juan County and that the Utah state exam and registration fees would be additional.
Participants estimated the 9/11 fundraising balance in recent collections at roughly $3,500, with another reference to about $4,500 for the past year; councilmembers asked staff to confirm exact available funds. Members discussed creating a simple application or scholarship process and recommended incremental incentives (for example, paying more as a trainee remains active) to limit the town’s financial risk while encouraging retention.
The council reached a consensus to move forward with Nelson administering the proposed subsidy for the currently interested applicant and to work with San Juan County and other state programs to develop options for applicants who cannot pay upfront. Council asked staff to return with clarified program language, exact fund totals, and options for handling contingencies such as trainees who fail the certification exam or who do not remain active.
No formal vote was recorded on the subsidy proposal during the work session.
