Court restores funding for community paramedic position after FY25 sweep; public hearing draws comment

The Williamson County Commissioners Court on Nov. 12 approved a budget increase to return funding to physician-control number (PCN) 1642, a community paramedic position, from the uncompensated-care (HUG) fund so a promoted EMS employee can be placed into the role.

John Gonzales, director of Williamson County EMS, told the court the department promoted an internal candidate and extended an offer before an FY25 end'of'year sweep that reclaimed excess appropriations; after the sweep the PCN was left with approximately $82,000 and the department needed the restored FY25 allocation so it could complete the hire and place the person in the position. Gonzales said the funding source for the position is not general tax revenue but the uncompensated-care reimbursement fund (previously tracked through the tobacco fund and now in its own fund).

Julie Kiley, county auditor, clarified the funding source is the uncompensated-care reimbursement fund and that the line item has been separated into its own fund rather than the tobacco fund. John Gonzales and HR staff described this as a communication breakdown around timing of the sweep and the offer.

Public commenter Bill Cobrelaw raised broader concerns about uncompensated-care expenditures, arguing some funds serve noncitizens and urging reforms; commissioners acknowledged the public comment and closed the hearing before voting. The court then moved to approve the requested budget increase and the motion carried 5-0.

Provenance: EMS director presentation, auditor clarification, public comment and the formal vote are recorded in the transcript under the public-hearing item and the subsequent motion and roll call.