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Council approves tuition for three EMTs to attend accredited paramedic school; town will not require payback
Summary
Council voted to fund paramedic education for three current EMT/critical-care staff from the fire/EMS department (approximately $16,000 total), citing workforce shortages. Discussion noted there is no service-payback agreement and that staff accepted the recruitment risk.
The council approved payment from the fire department’s education account on Oct. 27 to send three EMT/critical-care employees to accredited paramedic schools. Staff and the chief noted the program responds to statewide shortages of paramedics and that accredited schools produce candidates who meet state certification standards.
Finance staff said the cost will be paid from the department’s training/education budget (approximately $16,000 total). Councilors asked whether the town requires a service-payback commitment to recoup training costs if an employee leaves; staff said legal advice and past practice indicate a post-hire repayment obligation is generally not enforceable for most municipal employees, and no payback clause will be imposed.
The motion to fund the training passed by voice vote. Staff said they will provide progress reports as the employees complete their accredited programs and that the department will continue recruiting efforts to retain staff.
Provenance: The EMS training memo and vote appear in the Oct. 27 meeting transcript beginning at 00:51:13 into the meeting.
