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Georgetown council approves addition of three paramedic positions in fire department
Summary
The council approved an ordinance authorizing changes to civil‑service classifications to hire three paramedics to attend an EMS academy beginning July 28; the department estimated roughly $42,000 in salary and related costs for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The Georgetown City Council approved an ordinance authorizing changes to civil‑service classifications and the number of positions in the fire department so the city can hire three paramedics to attend an EMS Academy that begins July 28.
The city’s fire chief (whose name was not stated on the record) told council the department currently has seven vacancies and that hiring three additional paramedics would fill positions for the upcoming academy cycle. “We’re requesting your permission to do that to attend a July 28 EMS Academy,” the chief said. The chief estimated salary and employee‑related expenses at about $42,000 for the remaining two months of the fiscal year and noted that increased EMS revenue and cost‑sharing with the Emergency Services District may offset some costs.
The chief also said the department’s hiring list expires on Sept. 7 and that councils sometimes authorize hires to avoid candidates “dying on the list.” Council approved the ordinance on a motion and second with no public hearing required for the item. The ordinance was described on the record as being made pursuant to Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, which governs civil‑service classifications for firefighters and police officers.
